CoE and Chamber of Commerce join forces to address Springs’ challenges
The signed agreement between the two parties helps to forge a way forward for the future.
In a move that will ensure the betterment of Springs, the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) and the Eastern Gauteng Chamber of Commerce have entered a partnership.
The partnership was cemented with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in November. The memorandum is an agreement between the parties, ensuring collaboration in projects with shared interests.
“We spent two years to conclude an understanding mutually beneficial for all,” says Mike du Toit, a ward councillor and chairperson of the chamber.
“You heard the government talking a lot about public-private partnerships. What we are doing here is to get to the grassroots level so that we can have commerce and industries in certain areas co-operate with the government on projects.”
Yusuf Mayet, a representative of the CoE, commented this was the second MOU that was established. The first MOU was in Wadeville.
“Essentially, the city is trying to get closer to businesses and make sure they cater to the needs of businesses.”
Deveena Subramony from the Manufacturing Circle provided a presentation with a suggested model of implementation.
“The active partnering model is a practical way in which the memorandum can be implemented.”
Du Toit ended the session by saying, “We cannot fix something if we cannot accept where we are.
“This agreement was driven primarily by the energy crisis and energy is the lifeblood of business and industry.”
He also mentioned other issues that plague the industry.
“We have to attract and hold investment. I don’t think we will attract investments or skilled labour with issues such as sewage running down the streets.”
The memorandum will be valid for three years with the option to renew afterwards should both parties agree.
