SECUNDA – Finally, the Govan Mbeki Local Economic Development (LED) forum has been launched after several failed attempts over the years.
However, this time around it launched peacefully and the executive committee members were elected. The purpose of forum is to coordinate development initiatives within the municipal area.
There are six pillars intended to be used to boost the local economy, namely: the Govan Mbeki Industrialisation Programme, the SMME and Cooperatives Incubation Programme, the Tourism Hub Development Programme, the Warehousing and Logistics Hub Development Programme, Education, the Skills and Capacity Development Programme and the Marketing and Investment Promotion Programme.
Ms Thandi Ngxonono, the executive mayor, said it is important that the forum is established so the municipality and the business sector can work collectively towards the growth of the local economy.
“It is difficult to work with the different forums, it is actually impossible. For us to function properly, we need to be structured.
“It is only through the establishment of the LED forum that we could be structured.”
Ms Ngxonono raised her concern about the previous LED summit which was not a success after it was disrupted and called off by disgruntled entrepreneurs.
At time, the entreprenuers argued that there were issues that had to be ironed out before the forum could be launched.
They were also not happy that people from outside the municipality were part of the summit. Ms Ngxonono said she was disappointed by the behavior of the entrepreneurs during that summit in July.
“You are delaying us, we want to move forward. Find it in your hearts to allow processes to unfold for the improvement of the lives of our people.”
Mr Sbonelo Kunene was elected as chairman, Mr Mduduzi Mahlangu is a deputy chairperson, Mr Themba Mathibela a secretary and Ms Dineo Monyane is a deputy secretary.
The additional members are Mr Lucky Ngwenya, Ms Nonhlanhla Mngomezulu, Ms Lucia Shabalala, Mr Jabu Methula, Ms Puleng Tshomane, Mr Sfiso Mthimunye, Mr Smanga Lephoto and Ms Tebogo Nkgohu.
The roles and responsibilities of the LED forum are to:
– Mobilise and solicit financial and non-financial resources to implement LED catalytic projects within the municipal LED strategy through the identification of new sources of economic growth, growth bottlenecks or constraints and strategies for overcoming them.
– Monitor and evaluate the implementation of LED catalytic projects and encouraging cooperation and the participation of private and government sectors in the development of the local economy.
– Provide advice and recommendations to the municipal council on short-medium-long term matters to be considered towards the promotion of Local Economic Development.
– Identify and implement strategies through the identification of weaknesses and opportunities, to broaden the local revenue and economic base in consultation with municipal council.
