Lesedi Local Municipality a hub of business opportunities

The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Fikile Majola, the MEC for Economic Development, Parks Tau, and the Sedibeng District Mayor, Lerato Maloka, were among the guests.

The summit addressed the economic development plans for Lesedi and Sedibeng and the opportunities the developments will create for local businesses. Job creation and tourism were also discussed.

Nkosi said the Sedibeng and Lesedi districts remained hot spots for Covid-19 and although the pandemic caused severe setbacks for the economy in the districts, LLM has a disciplined approach to ensure the developments align with the government’s 2030 vision of addressing poverty and creation of jobs.

Heidelberg Aerodrome was listed as one of the biggest investments in the Sedibeng district. Majola said the building of an international cargo airport will change the economy of the local municipality completely.

Another development on the table was the Heidelberg 24 Industrial Park.

“Lesedi is a zone of opportunity. The aerodrome and the development of an industrial area will enhance employment,” Majola said, adding that these projects must be expedited so that construction can start within the current financial year.

Sedibeng as the birthplace of South Africa’s industrialisation was labelled as dilapidated with deteriorating infrastructure.

“Sedibeng as the broader municipality is a priority for the government due to the challenges in the district.

“As part of the Sedibeng economic recovery plan, we must increase the demand for services available within the municipality,” Majola said, referring to the large steel industry in the Vaal area.

“Through the development of infrastructure and construction projects, the demand for steel will increase and therefore inject into the economy.”

LLM manager Gabriel Banda added, “Government, in partnership with the private sector, can address challenges together. Together, we can do more.”