As part of an overall process to ensure that the Breaking New Ground (BNG) plan on Sustainable Human Settlements is innovatively implemented in the Western Cape, the MEC for Local Government and Housing Richard Qubudile Dyantyi has mandated a Sustainable Human Settlement Summit. The theme for the Summit is "BEYOND THE BRICK, From Inspiration to Implementation" The Summit will take place from 24-25 November 2005 at Stellenbosch University.

The Summit will create a platform for a debate and will encourage participation of all stakeholders in the development of the Provincial Implementation Strategy. Stakeholders have been engaged and invited to become active participants at the Summit.

The intended summit outcomes include: Developing a plan of action for an accelerated and rapid delivery. Pilot projects are launched and relevant partnerships are developed to ensure implementation. Clear targets are set and accountability is assigned. The post summit process should be identified and agreed upon.

The MEC has further called for an extensive stakeholder engagement process to be undertaken prior to the summit in order to fulfill the following: The stakeholders have to receive information on the Sustainable Human Settlement Summit and its outcomes to ensure constructive participation, Creating an opportunity for stakeholders to provide input and influence the development of a provincial implementation Strategy and Assisting with the conceptualization of pilot projects that would demonstrate the principles of BNG and iKapa elihlumayo.

The highlights of the programme are as follows: Day One (24 November 2005)- 08h45, welcome address by the Municipal Mayor of Stellenbosch, 09h00 address by Thozamile Botha representing the Housing National Minister Dr. Lindiwe Nonceba Sisulu Moving towards implementation), 09h15 address by the Premier of the Western Cape, Ebrahim Rasool (The Western cape- a unique challenge), 09h35 address by the MEC for Local Government and Housing Richard Qubudile Dyantyi (Beyond The Brick) 10h00 Press Conference.

Day Two (25 November 2005)- 08h40 Key Note Address by the MEC for Local Government and Housing Richard Qubudile Dyantyi. Commission Summaries will continue until 10h00. There will be 4 Commissions for the duration of the Summit and they are as follows: Land, Designing Sustainable Environments, Demand management and Finance 10h30 Press Conference, 11h00 Pilot Projects, 14h00 Plan Of Action, 16h15 The Way Forward.

THE MEC OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND HOUSING WILL ALSO BE LAUNCHING A DEPARTMENTAL PROGRAMME MARKING THE SIXTEEN DAYS OF ACTIVISM.

SHOULD MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA WISH TO MAKE ONE ON ONE ARRANGEMENT WITH THE MEC REGARDING PRE AND POST SUMMIT INTERVIEWS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME.

ALL MEDIA IS INVITED TO ATTEND AND COVER THE INPUTS BY THE PRINCIPALS ON DAY ONE AND THE PRESS CONFERENCE AT 10H00. A PRESS CONFERENCE ON DAY TWO AT 10H30 AND THE WAY FORWARD AT 16H15.

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