Plans in the pipeline to boost district’s economy
GROBLERSDAL – Some of the deliverables the Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) prided during the observation of its 5th administration’s hundred days in office was the establishment of the convening of the mine managers’ forum and development of the draft terms of reference for mining multi-stakeholders engagement forum within the minerals rich area.
SDM Executive Mayor, Julia Mathebe mid last month informed that the move would help the district municipality better coordinate the mining corporate social responsibility undertaken by the mining companies to reduce the negative effect of mining initiatives, and to improve the lives of locals, the economy and the environment.
Mayor Mathebe further revealed that R2 million was set aside to support and empower SMMEs and co-operatives for Local Economic Development initiatives.
Mathebe further told that 105 applications were received and would be adjudicated with priority given to young people and women co-operatives.
She explained that initiative would help ease the unemployment rate among the district municipality’s young people and create jobs.
Furthermore, Mathebe expressed that they have reactivated the Fetakgomo Tubatse SEZ political steering committee chaired by her and comprised all mayors in the district, Municipal Managers, and senior government officials.
“We believe and hope that the resuscitation of Fetakgomo Tubatse SEZ political steering committee will enhance a growth engine that has been earmarked to catalyze economic activities in pursuance of government’s strategic objectives of industrialization, regional development and employment creation,” added Mathebe.
She said that some of the infrastructural benefits that would accrue from the SEZ included the bulk water services infrastructure for the SEZ and communities as well as the industrialization hub.
