King dreams billions

ONE man’s dream to turn Giyani into a vibrant, successful economic hub is slowly becoming a reality with the basic planning already done, and the Greater Giyani Municipality supporting the idea.

Hosi Ngove (Penny Mabunda), who celebrated his 20 year anniversary as chief on Saturday, told everyone present that he intended to bring his dream to fruition by releasing a portion of land belonging to him so that it could be developed.

Last year Ngove signed an agreement with the municipality to release land so that it could be used to develop business sites and residential areas. Currently, space for development such as this is an enormous challenge in the area.

“This dream has the potential to generate R5 billion in five years,” Ngove said.

“I’m happy to announce that I have already completed the master plan of my dream, which was developed by experts in the field.

All that is left to do now, is to gain government’s support to make the plan a reality,” he said.

He further indicated that it was his intention to write a letter to the minister for rural development asking the minister to assist in speeding up the process.

Ngove stated in no uncertain terms that local contractors would receive preference when the time came to make appointments. However, he said preference would only be given if the local contractor could deliver the high quality service and products expected.

“Local people would be preferrable for the simple reason that a local person has a sense of belonging, which we need more than money,” he said.

Greater Giyani mayor Pat Hlungwani applauded Ngove’s decision, saying his vision could save the municipality from being landlocked (surrounded by land that could not be developed). “We’re very impressed and inspired by his wisdom. We hope the rest of the chiefs will follow this example,” he said.

“If it were not for him, Giyani and the central business district (CBD) in particular, would be landlocked soon since all the surrounding chiefs are allowing shacks to be build, filling land closer and closer to the CBD,” he said.