Community has a go at MEC for economic development
"We don't only want jobs, we also want to create jobs" — resident.
Residents of Mohlakeng and other parts of Randfontein are up in arms. They put their foot down during a tense community engagement meeting initiated by MEC for Economic Development in Gauteng Lebogang Maile at the township’s Ramosa Hall on Wednesday (13 Augustus).
The meeting was called to discuss issues of how to bring about growth of local economy among other pertinent issues, as well as forging partnerships with the community in order to build durable and productive township businesses.
At the meeting residents raised their concerns regarding to the lack of jobs and other opportunities within the township and said that for any economic revitalisation to happen, government must implement the necessary tools.
The herald spoke to resident Lindiwe Mabaso who said that as a young entrepreneur, she always hears of government initiatives but feels that these are not accessible to them as the youth.
“It is so frustrating to know about certain opportunities, but don’t know how go about accessing them. We don’t only want jobs, we also want to create jobs, therefore we are calling on the government and other entities to assist us in this,” says Mabaso.
Meanwhile, Maile noted residents’ concerns and says he would look into them.
The herald spoke to the West Rand District Municipality’s Elvis Mphithikezi who also committed himself to looking into issues raised on the day from a local government perspective.
