Private sector looks ahead

RATEPAYERS, residents and role players from the private sector came together at Umdlalo Lodge in Umtenweni last Thursday morning to discuss a positive action plan for uplifting the economy of the South Coast.

The meeting, hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association (KZNSCRRA), kickstarted with an interesting presentation by South Africa’s most controversial economist, Dawie Roodt, who specialises in government finance and monetary policies. Mr Roodt, who has recently published a book called Tax, Lies and Red Tape, conducted a detailed presentation on South Africa’s economy.

Mr Roodt’s talk was followed by a presentation by businessman/author Bruce Hulley who gave a theoretical ‘action plan’ as to what needs to be done on the coast to change the current economic situation.

Those present agreed that they were tired of plans, and more plans, and called for an immediate ‘action plan’ to develop infrastructure so to curb ‘the ticking time bomb’ of unemployment and poverty in the area. They agreed that achievable goals needed to be set and reached.

They also expressed a desire to declare the area a ‘tourism development zone’ as very little was happening on the coast at the moment.

One of the goals is to encourage investment by introducing an ‘economic development zone’ where investors get breaks on their rates and taxes.

The group was asked to choose between the four ‘Ds’ – deny, despair, depart or do. The group opted for the last option, saying they would ‘do something’. However, although they know what needs to be done, the question was ‘who was going to do it?’.

Chairman of the KZNSCRRA, Professor Olliver Ransome said residents and ratepayers were not only concerned about how the ailing economy was affecting their properties and businesses on the coast, but how it was also impeding vitally important job creation. “The role of government is to provide an environment in which all citizens can flourish,” he said.