Mantashe calls on Eastern Cape communities to ‘stop resisting development’

 Minister of Mineral Resources Gwede Mantashe has pleaded with the people of Eastern Cape to stop “resisting” development in their province to enable economic growth.

Mantashe was addressing the community at the handover of the JS Skenjana School in Idutywa to the department of basic education on Friday.

According to the department, the construction of the school was funded by Sibanye-Stillwater as part of its Social and Labour Plan (SLP).

Change of mindset

Mantashe called on the people of the Eastern Cape to “change their mindset” and “open their arms for development”.

“There is no province that is difficult for development like the Eastern Cape. The people of the Eastern Cape resist development. Let me explain to you how: firstly, if a school is to be built in a certain area, the people of that area will want to cash in on that development,” said Mantashe.

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“They will demand large sums of money in exchange for a piece of land for a school that will be there permanently as a contribution to society broadly. The Eastern Cape must stop this behaviour.”

According to Mantashe, the Northern Cape, North West and Limpopo constitute “a mining corridor of the future”, and they are willing to be part of change.

“Here in the Eastern Cape, we’re resisting. According to our discussion, the Eastern Cape can be a gas hub of the country. What is needed is a manufacturer of gas bottles (LPG) to be mostly manufactured in the province, provided the people of the Eastern Cape want it.”

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He said the Eastern Cape should not be proud of exporting skills to other provinces while it remains poor.

“We continue to plead with the people of the Eastern Cape to stop resisting development.”

Trade relations with UAE

In an attempt to develop the province, Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane said the province was working to strengthen trade relations with the UAE in various areas including education, agriculture, renewable energy, oil and gas, research and innovation, as well as partnerships in the aviation economy.

“As such, the provincial government is negotiating the possibility of a joint investment project to raise standards at the government-owned Bhisho Airport in line with requirements of an International Cargo Airport as a start,” said Mabuyane in a statement last week.

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Mabuyane was announcing the private visit by UAE president and ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, and his entourage last week.