NEWS
Dept Water Affairs
2010 Budget Vote DayThu, 29th April '10 Thursday the 15th of April was the Parliament Budget Vote for the Department of Water Affairs (DWA). Projects falling under the DWA were invited to exhibit their material with the aim of interacting with Parliamentarians and officials, showcasing their work and how the funds extended to them are being put to good use relevant to conserving and protecting our natural resources whilst uplifting the lives in poorer communities.
The Working on Fire Team, Trevor Abrahams, FFA non- executive director, Val Charlton, the National Advocacy Manager and Fred Mokgope, the Programme Manager, attended the proceedings with Christalene De Kella, Naadhira Khan and Chandra Fick manning the Working on Fire stand . The team shared space with the Working for Water (WfW)Team. The Jonkershoek Fire Fighters made an impressive display, standing out in their neat yellow shirts. Parliamentarians were ushered in style by the WoF Fire-fighters, knowing there would be no emergencies these guys could not handle walking them to their seats!
 The stands were set-up at 10H00 and by 12H00, when the delegates started trickling in the exhibits were displayed ready for scrutiny by the eager onlookers. Question asked to the team, manning the stand, centred around; “What is the role of Working on Fire?”, “How long have they been in existence?”, “What is the success rate of this organisation?” The programme being in existence since 2003 and going stronger each year with more fire-fighting bases opening regularly, made it easy for the team to answer these questions with eagerness.
A buzz broke out when it was announced that the Honourable Minister, Buyelwa Sonjica was arriving. She made her rounds, making sure that she took a moment to speak to everybody, answering questions patiently. She was ushered over to the Wof-WfW stand and lingered for a while as cameras were generously clicking all around her. She commented on how key the Working for Water and Working on Fire projects were in the success of local communities, giving them a chance of a richer life with long-term benefits.
The Deputy Minister, Rejoice Mabudafhasi, arriving with her daughter, was equally impressed and spent time talking to the ladies while showing her appreciation for this successful programme. The day ended well with a dinner, parliament style, which gave the team a moment to relax and rest their tired feet.
By Chandra Fick
Pictures: Bruce Sutherland
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