Stakeholders map Limpopo as a gateway to Africa
The Limpopo United Business Forum's Tshepo Mathabatha said reviving Limpopo as a trade gateway requires collaboration between key players in all relevant sectors.
POLOKWANE – A diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, international trade lawyers, academics and entertainers came together during a roundtable discussion with the aim of growing Limpopo during a meeting that was held at Old Mutual last week.
The meeting was chaired by the president of the Limpopo United Business Forum, Tshepo Mathabatha who told Polokwane Observer that the event aimed to develop a roadmap for reviving the province as the gateway to Africa.
During the meeting, Government Communication and Information System deputy director liaison, Mmaphuti Mathatho moderated the discussion, while Moloko Mapata from Ledet presented a positive outlook, highlighting the province’s economic growth between 2018 and 2022.
Ledile Sebati from Salga grounded the conversation by emphasising the challenges faced by local governments in delivering services effectively, and international trade lawyer Lethabo Sithole offered a global perspective presenting Mozambique’s special economic zones as a successful model, attributing their effectiveness to minimal government involvement beyond land provision.
The discussions were lively with participants acknowledging the need to move beyond talk and into action. The meeting concluded with a strong agreement among the stakeholders.
“Reviving Limpopo as a trade gateway requires collaboration between key players in all relevant sectors,” Mathabatha said.
The chairperson of the board at Meropa Casino and Entertainment World, John Mogodi pledged to host the next roundtable discussion.
“This collaborative spirit offers promise for Limpopo’s future. By working together, stakeholders can bridge the gap between potential and progress, propelling the province towards its goal of becoming a thriving African trade hub,” concluded Mathabatha.
