Vryheid’s business community has been called on to play a bigger role in shaping the town’s economic future, with infrastructure, investment and major development projects taking centre stage during a meeting last week.

AbaQulusi Local Municipality Mayor Cllr Sifiso Mkhwanazi and KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi met with local business owners at the Nuwe Republiek Skool Hall on Friday.

The meeting brought together business representatives and senior municipal management to discuss challenges facing local businesses, planned developments and opportunities for closer cooperation.

Businesses encouraged to help shape Vryheid’s future

Buthelezi said the meeting was an opportunity for business owners to have their voices heard and contribute to decisions affecting the town.

“Today’s engagement is your opportunity to shape the direction of Vryheid. We want to hear the voices of the people and business owners of Vryheid,” said Buthelezi.

Discussions focused on several potential economic drivers for the area, including mining, agriculture, hospitality and tourism.

Major projects could boost economic growth

The VENE Corridor project, linking Vryheid, eMadlangeni, Newcastle and Ermelo, was also highlighted as a major development initiative aimed at strengthening the area’s economic position and positioning Vryheid as an economic hub.

Another major project discussed was the replacement of asbestos water pipes, which is being supported at provincial level.

Mkhwanazi stressed that infrastructure would remain critical if Vryheid is to attract investment and grow its tourism sector.

“Successful tourism requires more than just a market; it also requires accessible roads and reliable infrastructure,” he said.

Government and business urged to work together

Buthelezi said government and business needed to work together to create an environment that encourages investment and economic growth.

While acknowledging the role of the current leadership in implementing projects aimed at attracting investment, he said the business sector also had an important part to play in the town’s future.

The engagement ended with a call for continued cooperation between the municipality, provincial government and local businesses as Vryheid seeks to unlock new economic opportunities.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.