City of uMhlathuze maps way to stop business disruptions

THE City of uMhlathuze is forging ahead with efforts to curb ongoing disruptions to economic development projects and investments in uMhlathuze and the King Cetshwayo district.

City Mayor Mduduzi Mhlongo met with business forums and local captains of industry in Empangeni last week to present a draft framework that addresses ongoing protests affecting local businesses.

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Forums present at the meeting last week included Amakhosi Business Forum, which consists of businesses within communities led by traditional leaders around the city and KwaSokhulu.

North Coast Workers Forum representing unemployed people, City of uMhlathuze Youth Economic Emancipation Programme (YEEP) and the uMhlathuze Business Forum, a wing of King Cetshwayo business forum were also present. Mhlongo said a formal structure will be set up to facilitate engagements between forums and business.

However, he emphasised that the structure will not discuss tenders and companies who will get contracts from conglomerates and municipalities.

‘We made it clear that we are not forming a bid committee that will decide on tenders,’ said Mhlongo.

‘If there is any disagreement between business and forums, it will be brought to the attention of this structure to avoid stoppages.’

He said this would help local businesses remain compliant with all prescripts required by municipalities on tenders, and educate them on how big business works.

‘We want to discuss how local businesses can own stakes in major projects, not fight for crumbs at the implementation stages,’ he added.

Mhlongo explained that, at the inaugural meeting held in Richards Bay in May, it was agreed a document would be formulated on how best to facilitate discussions that address challenges to infrastructure projects in the city and around Amakhosi areas.

This was attended by representatives of Richards Bay Minerals (RBM), Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT), Foskor, Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ), Tronox, South32 and Mhlathuze Water.

‘We also met with Amakhosi in June to brief them on the proposed framework and to solicit their wisdom on this plan,’ said Mhlongo. ‘The next step is to formally sign a memorandum of understanding and elect representatives who will serve in the structure including the secretariat.’

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