Army, CTA and schools to share E8m Taiwan bounty
23 August, 2013 12:13:00 Stories by Baphelele Kunene
The Republic of China on Taiwan has donated about E8 million to the Swazi Government which will be shared amongst the Army, ministry of education and the Central Transport Administration (CTA).
Yesterday the ambassador of the Republic of China on Taiwan presented the different cheques to the representatives who had come on behalf of the entities.
To receive the donation was Minister of Economic Planning and Development Price Hlangusemphi, who extended His Majesty’s appreciation over the gesture.
About $ 450 680 (E4 641 302) was received by the ministry of education for the purchase of Computers for Rural Schools and Rural Education Centres.
Economic Planning Minister Prince Hlangusemphi said the need for continued support for the education and training sector could not be over emphasised.
He said over the past years, the Taiwanese Government had been providing support towards the provision of computers to the most disadvantaged rural schools.
He said His Excellency the Ambassador had capacitated the rural folk with all the necessary computer skills.
“This initiative has played a major role in ensuring that each and every pupil has equal chances in terms of accessing computer technology, which nowadays was a basic academic and employment requirement.
To complement the minister’s words was the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education Pat Muir who also mentioned that Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) at present were influencing every aspect of human life.
Muir said they had realised as a Ministry that ICTs were playing significant roles in work places, business, education and entertainment.
“We are very grateful to the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for this financial assistance. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and this gift will go a long way in ensuring that the ministry of education and training increases the number of rural schools and rural education centres with computers,” Muir said
E2 million for Central Motor Registry
Following the persuasion of the e-government strategy, the computerisation of the Central Motor Registry will not only enable accelerated service delivery but will equally embrace technological advancement within the government.
According to Minister of Public Works and Transport Ntuthuko Dlamini, they made a proposal for the upgrading and computerisation of the Central Motor Registry after an institutional analysis of the present operating conditions and capacity needs in transport data management systems. He highlighted that the project would entail the upgrading of filling systems and computerisation of the Central Motor Registry, which operates under the treasury department.
Basically the CMR deals with the following:
n Vehicle Registration
n Issuance of Vehicle registra tion documents
n Issuance of Drivers licenses and cards
n Management and upkeep of vehicle registration and deliver licensing documentation
Gcina Barracks to be upgraded
About $ 200 000 (E2 057 313) was given to the Umbutfo Swaziland Defence Force for the Rehabilitation and upgrading of Gcina Barracks Youth Centre and Programmes.
The barracks Youth Centre focuses on the development of skills for the youth and revamping them will improve the delivery of skills to the youth.
Minister of Economic Planning and Development Prince Hlangusemphi said the country was faced with a high rate of youth unemployment and it was through such initiatives that the ultimate solution to the problem would be obtained.
The army also received a second cheque from the Taiwanese, which would help in the purchase of the military band uniform. Prince Hlangusemphi said from time immemorial, the reputable standard of the band had been heavily compromised by the unavailability of the rightful ceremonial gear.
“We are hoping that with this valuable support, the honour and dignity of the band will be restored and such would please their Majesties,” he said.
