Growth depends on the people

As people of the Ilembe district we must each contribute to ensure we grow and develop.
This was the common thread on the first day of the municipality’s two-day growth and development summit at the Ebandla Hotel in Ballito on Wednesday.
Opening the summit, deputy mayor Dolly Shandu said the municipality’s prime position in the KwaZulu-Natal growth corridor must be maximised.
“We must work hard to devise ways to deal with our challenges so we can reflect on what our position means to us. What are the benefits of being situated where we are?”
District mayor Welcome Mdabe said an inclusive long-term outlook must be developed.
“This is not just a government initiative. We need to partner with private and civil society, and find common ground to address anything that impedes our growth. Our district must be shaped and plans must align with the national development plan.”
The mayor said the district has made significant progress since the last summit in 2008, having established local economic development agency Enterprise Ilembe and spending around R1 billion in eradicating water and sanitation backlogs.
Mdabe also announced that talks were underway with the Durban University of Technology to establish a satellite campus in KwaDukuza.
“This is vital for our skills building capacity,” he said.
Professor Bonke Dumisa from the provincial planning commission elaborated on Ilembe’s position in the NDP.
He said Ilembe is well-placed for success in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, as well as real estate.
“The resources are definitely there, so ask yourselves what you are doing to develop them. Everyone, not just those in management and government, must get actively involved in Ilembe’s growth. The district is growing, everyone wants a piece of the coastline. Maximise your opportunities.”
Delegates at the summit broke into commissions on Thursday, to discuss the district growth in greater detail.