The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) deputy mister, Thembi Nkadimeng, discouraged the Govan Mbeki Municipality’s idea of becoming a model city of excellency during a two-day youth summit held at the Lillian Ngoyi Centre in Secunda on June 29 and 30.
Nkadimeng said this after the executive mayor, Nhlakanipho Zuma, told the young people in attendance that the mayoral committee has agreed that the municipality should become a city.
The theme of this year’s Youth Summit is Govan Mbeki Municipality Youth Creating Opportunities under a New Normal.
Zuma claimed that would create more opportunities and bring more resources.
The mayor also said the municipal economic growth is 1% which is below the expected 2.3 % growth or more. This proves that the municipality is producing poverty.
However, Nkadimeng said the municipality must rather retain its municipality status because it is too costly to become a city or metro.
“As the government, we are trying to change laws. The current foundation of the municipalities is rates and taxes that make up 90% of the municipal budget.
“If you want to develop this municipality into a city, you need to grow industries. Don’t be fooled, that is too costly.
“The municipality is better off staying where it is and revamping its infrastructure. That will automatically bring investors and then only will the institution make revenue.
“Consider metering the businesses, because that will be a sign of positive direction. That is when you can begin developing townships,” said Nkadimeng.
When delivering her address as the keynote speaker, Nkadimeng told young people to change their mindset by becoming the creator of opportunities.
“Today, learners in all schools have privileges such as a feeding scheme, and they don’t pay school fees.
“Previously, teachers used to share their lunches with learners of destitute families because there were no feeding schemes at school.
“Today, people steal food from feeding schemes. Why?,” Nkadimeng asked.
“Young people are doggy while having privileges such as NFSAS to further their studies and they get opportunities but fail to use them properly.
“You need not focus on becoming an Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) beneficiary, but try to create opportunities for you and others,” said Nkadimeng.
