Are you serious about local economic development? Do you believe that sustainable transformation can be achieved through dynamic partnerships between government, business and civil society? If so, 3 August 2017 should be a red-letter day on your calendar.
On 3 August 2017 the subject group of Economics within the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences on the Vanderbijlpark Campus of the North-West University (NWU) will be hosting the 2020 Sharpeville Revitalisation Workshop. During the workshop feedback will be given regarding the City of Sharpeville 2020 Development Plan. This initiative – which represents a collaboration between the NWU, the Vaal LED Warriors and the local community of Sharpeville, aims to formulate and effect a local economic development plan for Sharpeville.
According to Prof Danie Meyer, an Associated Professor within the Faculty – and coordinator of AppLED (a research initiative within the bhive Enterprise Development Centre), Sharpeville represents an iconic international cultural and historical site and its strategic and integrated locality in the Vaal Triangle region positions it as a potentially dynamic and vibrant socio-economic environment.
The project sees Honours students in Economics on the Campus together with lecturers within the Faculty, community leaders and other role players such as the various business chambers and local government partners working together to realise eight sub-plans in an effort to revitalize Sharpeville and to boost its socio-economic standing. The eight sub-plans include:
• Main Street Precinct Development Plan
• Tourism and Marketing Development Plan
• Local Crafts and Arts Development Plan
• Dhlomo Dam Development Plan
• Service Delivery and Community Facility Development Plan
• Urban Agricultural Development Plan
• Small Business and Job Creation Plan
• Industrial/Manufacturing Development Plan
“As part of the transformation agenda, universities and higher education institutions have a responsibility to focus on advancing the social and economic growth of their cities and towns,” says Prof Meyer and adds that local economic development initiatives form the heartbeat of such advancements. “Partnerships will pave the way to greater entrepreneurial and employment opportunities and as a University we are committed to the betterment and social upliftment of our communities.”
All interested persons are invited to attend the workshop that will take place at the Sharpeville Human Rights Precinct (Exhibition Centre) from 09:00 – 15:00. For more information send an email to Daniel.meyer@nwu.ac.za or Nichontema@gmail.com
