The KwaZulu-Natal MEC of Finance, Belinda Scott, hosted a Business Breakfast at the Town Hall on Friday, December 12 at 7.30am. Mrs Scott aimed the visit to Estcourt to engage and listen to the views of the business sector within the Umtshezi Municipality in Estcourt and the surrounding areas, on what they would like to see in the next year (2015/2016) budget allocations.

Bright and early businesswomen and men socialised over an enticing breakfast, Programme Director, Muzi Kubeheka introduced the first speaker, Mayor Bongani Dlamini who welcomed all the guests. This process is also in line with the provincial government’s initiative to encourage public participation in the provincial budget allocations.During her address, the MEC promoted transparency and encouraged the culture of saving during the festive season.

She also praised Estcourt for being a step ahead of other communities by the large amount of solar heating systems installed and greatly investing in coal. To conclude the morning was a question and answer session were the members whom attended were equipped with handy tips from the MEC of Finance. At 10am that day the Mayor Bongani Dlamini accompanied the MEC to the Mshayazafe Community Hall were they interacted with the residents there to get more insight on their needs, as the province prepares for the next years budget.

The Budget Road Show is aimed at communicating the planned budget allocations, educating and empowering KwaZulu-Natal communities’ in order for them to make informed contributions in shaping of the provincial budget. Estcourt was the focus of budget discussions by the Estcourt business fraternity as the road show also works hand in hand with provincial government’s initiative to encourage public participation in the provincial budget allocations.”The country’s financial situation presents us with many challenges.

However, we need to achieve economic growth as a province in order to realise the objectives set out in the National Development Plan and Provincial Growth and Development Plan,” said MEC Scott. MEC Scott encouraged communities and business people to co-operate with government to improve the lives of all poor communities. “I want you to help me ensure that every cent goes to projects that are meant to uplift and develop all communities.

If you know of any corrupt tendencies, please report it because corruption takes away the same money that we need to use in helping poor communities,” urged Ms Scott.Mr Dlamini, encouraged people to instil confidence in local businesses and assure them that their businesses are safe with in Umtshezi as that will act as an invitation to other business people.MEC Scott will be making other such visits to other communities before and after she has tabled the provincial budget in March 2015.