GTM launch Economic Development Forum

The launch was aimed at creating a platform to engage different stakeholders in the issues concerning economical development.

The Director of Planning and Economic Development in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality, Benjamin Mathebula said the purpose of forum is to coordinate development initiatives within the Greater Tzaneen Municipal areas.

The Mayor, Dikeledi Mmetle said that the launch of the forum is very critical for the people of Tzaneen because the municipality has approximately 400 000 residents and of which 50% is the youth and most of them are unemployed.

Mmetle said that the GTM has about 150 villages but only residents of the town and the townships are paying rates due to economical challenges.

Mmetle added that the forum is also aimed at attracting investors in projects which will contribute to the economy of not only the district but of the entire province.

She further said that the district tourism must be enhanced to attract more tourists into the area.

The President of the Tzaneen Chamber of Commerce, Annette Coertzen said the chamber is eager to work collectively with the GTM initiated forum in the best interest of the community. “We will continue to support development initiatives. We firmly believe that our community will benefit the most when we stand together,” said Coertzen.

The launch brought together various stakeholders including, the South African Police Services, Land Bank, Taxi Associations, Small Enterprise Developmental Agency (SEDA), National Youth Developmental Agency(NYDA), National Development Agency (NDA) Tzaneen Chamber of Commerce, the South African Local Government Association and the Department of Co-operative Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs in the province.

The stakeholders have been given until March 11 to submit the names of their representatives for registrations at the LED department in the municipality.