Local government urged to develop its economy

MBOMBELA – The local government must take the initiative in developing its economy. This is according to deputy minister of economic development Mr Madala Masuku.

He visited his former province, where he had served as MEC for finance last week to lead a two-day workshop aimed at guiding local spheres of government in addressing their own economic development.

“We have come to share information and to build support and capacity to plan for economic development on a provincial and local level,” he told Lowvelder.

“As national government we have identified our problems and converted them into a plan of action.” He explained how the National Development Plan and New Growth Path were developed. He wants local spheres of government to do the same.

“It is unsustainable to get national government to think for local government. It is important to identify the potential yourself.”

He added that if local governments took the initiative in their own economic development, they would come to understand the importance of providing infrastructure to draw investment.

Masuku commended Mbombela Local Municipality’s plan to develop a microwave-plasma power-generation plant in partnership with Manganese Metal Company (MMC). He said such initiatives, activities and sectors had to be identified at a provincial, district and local level.

“They must analyse their environment, identify whether resources is land or human capital, and lead a discussion. Leave the strategy, put the process aside and go interact with your environment.”
He said the economy belonged to the people, but government could play a huge roll in it – who else is in the business of building sport stadiums, for instance?

“Think of people’s economy. Find alternatives to challenges. Talk to other people who have growth plans and integrate other people’s plans and needs into your own,” Masuku advised.

Mining, agriculture, manufacturing and tourism remain at the top of Mpumalanga’s industries but the constraints present in the profile of your society have to be accommodated and addressed.

“The public sector can do a lot by addressing social structures in such a way to identify benefits and allow industries to grow.” Masuku also emphasised the importance of localising economic benefits. “We should assemble things where they are to be used and get more people to participate in the economy.”