Written by    : Zuko Mankazana

Pictures by  : Thaphelo Siqheza

Date             : 12 February 2025

Public Works, Infrastructure and Human Settlements MEC, Siphokazi Lusithi led a Bilateral Meeting aimed at strengthening collaboration between Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and Department of Human Settlements.

The session, attended by senior management from both departments focused on the departments’ Budget and Policy speeches and State of the Province Address (SOPA) commitments for the financial year 2025/26.

The meeting was structured into two phases, with the Department of Human Settlements making its presentations first, followed by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. This format allowed for a comprehensive engagement on the key objectives and priorities of each department, ensuring alignment in their shared mandate of infrastructure delivery and service provision.

During her address, MEC Lusithi emphasized the importance of partnerships that yield tangible results. “We won’t pronounce the partnership with Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and Department of Human Settlements in the implementation of the Provincial Construction Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) development, but rather we want to pronounce what the partnership will do,” she stated, highlighting the need for practical outcomes over mere formal agreements.

Senior managers from both departments actively participated, providing inputs and feedback on how to enhance service delivery and integrate efforts in infrastructure development. The discussions underscored the critical role of joint planning and execution in fulfilling the government’s commitments to communities across the province.

In her closing remarks, the MEC expressed her vision for a more unified approach between the two departments, urging them to work together in infrastructure delivery and learn from each other’s best practices. She reinforced the importance of collaboration, stating that synergy between the departments would result in more efficient service delivery and improved project outcomes.

The Bilateral Meeting marked an important step towards enhanced coordination and cooperation, laying the foundation for sustainable infrastructure development that will benefit communities throughout the province.

Acting Head of Department, Nomalungelo Nomandela leading the presentations by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure

Hon. MEC Siphokazi Lusithi delivering the purpose of the meeting

Attendees listening attentively as the Hon. MEC delivered her speech