Local economic development is much needed
A much-needed attitude change between the private sector and local government is needed to create a stable economy in Bela-Bela; especially taking the devastating effect of the past two years of the pandemic on our local economy into account.
A Local Economic Development Forum (LEDF) meeting was held on Thursday 17 March at the municipality. The LEDF is vested in the idea to establish a bridge between the government, the municipality, and the private sector.
The Post was in attendance. It became clear from the outset of the meeting that red tape, the town’s crumbling infrastructure, poor service delivery, and a lack of communication from the municipality contribute to the slow pace at which the local economy is able to grow.
An example is the time it takes for the municipality to issue documents when a property is sold and a clearance certificate must be issued. This is extremely frustrating for investors.
At the meeting, it was mentioned that Bela-Bela is considered a struggling economy.
Factions within the business sector, as well as a lack of representation for businesses in the township, are other contributors to the poor growth rate of the local economy.
A comment from the gallery proclaimed that the township economy is no longer viable.
Fred van Heerden, the current deputy chairperson of the forum, said that people need education and training to be employed.
Van Heerden stated that he lodged an application in 2017 to the municipality to establish a place of higher learning and education. He had no response to his application.
In the meantime, the Lephalale Technical Vocational Education and Training Center (TVET) started building a campus in Van der Merwe Street. The project is still incomplete and a final date for the enrollment of students is unknown.
“Industrial sites must be developed and jobs for the local population is a high priority. It falls to the private sector to create these jobs. Politicians tend to use the term creating jobs just to obtain credibility from voters. They do not bring job creation to fruition,” Van Heerden said.
Temba Mnisi, LEDF coordinator, said as part of the LEDF reconstruction and recovery plan various bi-laws and procedures have been approved on municipal level. These include the land invasion by-law draft, the informal trading by-law, the outdoor advertising by-law, along with the LED strategy.
Mnisi said that steps had been taken to curb illicit trade in the last month, where goods were confiscated due to the seller not being able to produce a trading license as required by law.
“Informal trading is still regarded as a valued chain economy, but must be monitored,” said Mnisi.
Landgrabs are, in his opinion, a coordinated attempt to force the local government into submission for personal gain. Thus, the landgrab by-law will act as an active deterrent for future illegal occupation.
The need for a local business directory, referrals, and making use of the existing outdoor advertising opportunities at an affordable rate was mentioned.
The placement of advertisements on common ground, for example, electricity substations, must be monitored and must adhere to the requirements as set by the by-laws. If this is regulated the overall image of the town will improve.
An improvement plan for the towns’ image must be implemented in conjunction with the municipality and the private sector, Mnisi said.
Information on government contracts and how local businesses can benefit will also be made available to participating LEDF members.
At the closure of the meeting, a new chairperson, Gabriel Phasha, was appointed to take over from Peter Moloto.
Phasha specializes in town planning. Moloto is the current head of communications at the municipality. A date for the next meeting has not been set.
Business owners who wish to participate in the LEDF can enquire with Rosina Molebatsi by phoning (014) 736 8037, or by phoning 072 111 2422/071 871 8575.
Or alternatively by e-mail at mothokwast@belabela.gov.za(.)
