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MEC Ravi Pillay visits South Coast towns affected by recent unrest
The visit to Harding, Port Shepstone and Umzinto forms part of the ongoing assessment of the impact of the recent social unrest on the economy of the province.
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Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) MEC, Ravi Pillay held engagements with business leaders, amakhosi and the local government leadership in Harding, Port Shepstone and Umzinto on Thursday.
The three towns were affected by the recent unrest, with several shops being looted or destroyed thus putting hundreds of jobs at risk.
The visit to the three towns by MEC Pillay forms part of the ongoing assessment of the impact of the recent social unrest on the economy of the province.
MEC Pillay, who was accompanied by Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal CEO Neville Matjie and EDTEA officials from the district, also visited some of the businesses that were either looted or destroyed during the unrest.
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Speaking during the engagements, MEC Pillay said the reports he received from the municipalities gave the granular details that will influence the government’s response.
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He said the government’s response will also have a strong focus on SMMEs, spaza shops and the informal sector.
MEC Pillay said he was inspired by how the municipalities were working together with all the other partners to rebuild.