Following a week-long trade mission to China, investors from Tisco are currently in the province to assess the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and the provincial government is convinced that a relationship built with the Chinese Government would yield positive results by attracting investors to the province.
A team led by Premier Stan Mathabatha signed three memorandums of understanding (MoU) with Shanxi province in the city of Taiyuan, Heiji Municipality and Yuncheng City last Friday to cement relations and sell Limpopo to potential investors. According to Provincial Government spokesperson Phuti Seloba, they secured over R100 billion in investments for the Musina-Makhado SEZ.
Sekhukhune District Mayor Stanley Ramaila was among the delegation that went to China and Seloba indicated that his presence was to secure investments for the planned Tubatse SEZ. Seskhukhune has minerals and most of the manufacturing companies in China get minerals from Limpopo hence such factories are needed be in the province to benefit the people, explained Seloba.
He went on to say by creating job opportunities, the dream to turn Polokwane into a metro would become a reality, adding that procedures are already being implemented to achieve the goal.
“We have made it clear to investors in China that our people can’t wait any longer for the two SEZs to function as they are expected to create over 20 000 permanent jobs. Young people should take a centre stage because institutions of higher learning in China are also committed to give bursaries to 100 youths to be trained in various fields. This is a great opportunity for young people to learn new skills which will benefit the province upon completion of their studies,” said Seloba.
He further indicated by securing investments and creating jobs they would then be able to remove people from South Africa Social Security Agency (Sassa) database by giving them employment and channel Sassa money to other developments. All hands are needed on deck to attract investors rather than having government officials who spend most of their time and energy gossiping and plotting against one another.
Story & photo: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za
