Ekurhuleni’s executive mayor Clr Mzwandile Masina said the metro is busy putting systems in place to ensure that local businesses get to do more business with the municipality.
Addressing the business community at da Venue in KwaThema, last Tuesday, Masina admitted that the metro has not been doing enough to provide economic opportunities for local businesses over the years.
“In this regard, we have decided that as part of our 10-point plan to revive our economy, local SMMEs must be prioritised and supported through our procurement processes.
“We have also resolved that we need to introduce a campaign that will encourage our locals to support local content,” he said.
The campaign will be known as “Buy Local”.
“SMMEs are major players in the economy, and as a city we are already piloting the process of ensuring that they get paid at most within 15 days after invoicing us, so that they do not face financial difficulties that threaten their existence,” Masina added.
He said that his administration cannot wait to start with the 30 per cent set asides already articulated by national government.
More than 100 local business people came to engage with the mayor as part of the “Taking the Ekurhuleni Metro ANC Caucus to the People”, which started in the township last Tuesday.
“We have heard our people’s cries over the years and our programme henceforth will be driven by the agenda of delivery, delivery and more delivery.
“As this administration we are committing to talking less and acting more.
“We have resolved that this team must be known for speedily addressing community issues and accelerating the service delivery agenda.
“Economic emancipation of our people is part of this very same agenda,” said Masina, appealing to local business people and the general community to be a little patient “as some of the changes might take a little bit longer to be addressed”.
Meanwhile, Masina pointed out that plans are moving full steam ahead to revive the local economy.
These plans include reviving the manufacturing sector, ensuring the effective implementation of the aerotropolis master plan and putting township economy at the forefront of the local economic development agenda.
Other articles you may be interested in:
Breaking News: Water rationing to start on Monday
