Andy Horton, President of the iLembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism writes:

Last week’s article featuring KwaDukuza mayoral candidates refers, (Courier, October 30, ‘KwaDukuza’s priorities under the spotlight‘). It raises important questions about partnerships between local government and the private sector in addressing infrastructure and service delivery challenges.

While public-private partnerships (PPPs) are are a proven way to mobilise private sector investment, expertise and operational capacity, the conversation should extend beyond formal partnership agreements.

An equally important municipal responsibility is to create an environment in which businesses can operate, invest, grow and create employment. Government does not create sustainable employment directly – businesses do.

Local government must therefore look beyond providing essential services and infrastructure to creating the conditions for business success and economic growth.

Municipal policies, administrative processes, regulatory decisions and service delivery directly influence business confidence and investment. Lengthy approval processes, inconsistent decision-making, unreliable services and escalating costs increase the risks of doing business and can determine whether businesses invest, expand or locate elsewhere.

The ease of doing business must therefore become a priority in municipal governance.

We would like to see incoming municipal leadership focus on five key priorities:

• Regulatory efficiency and predictability: Streamlined planning, building, licensing and approval processes, with clear requirements, reasonable turnaround times and consistent decision-making.
• Reliable infrastructure and services: Prioritising the maintenance and expansion of essential electricity, water, sanitation, roads and stormwater infrastructure.
• Financial and tariff sustainability: Ensuring that rates, tariffs and municipal charges are transparent, economically sustainable and supported by efficient municipal operations.
• Constructive engagement with business: Regular, meaningful engagement between municipal leadership, the administration and organised business to address challenges and develop solutions.
• Accountability and responsiveness: Professional administration, decisive leadership and accountability for municipal commitments and resolving matters raised.

These are fundamental requirements of a municipality that understands its role in facilitating economic development.

A constructive relationship between local government and business requires recognition of their complementary roles.

Municipalities provide the enabling environment through sound governance, infrastructure, services and regulatory certainty.

Business brings investment, entrepreneurship, innovation and employment. Communities benefit through expanded economic activity, livelihoods and a stronger local economy. Ultimately, economic development requires a broader social compact founded on shared objectives, collaboration and mutual accountability.

As voters prepare to make their choices, and mayoral candidates set out their ambitions for KwaDukuza and the wider iLembe region, we encourage voters to look beyond infrastructure promises, and ask: What will you do to make it easier to do business, attract investment, support existing businesses and create an environment in which employment can grow?

The iLembe Chamber looks forward to constructive working relationships with all incoming municipal leaders and administrators. We seek an open door, a willingness to engage and a shared commitment to removing the practical obstacles that constrain economic activity.

Our message to those seeking election is simple: Create the conditions for business to thrive, and you create the conditions for jobs, investment and a more prosperous community.