Communities must play key role in rebuilding economy

DEPUTY Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Nomalungelo Gina believes communities are the core of the economy and they should play a key role in working together with businesses operating within their areas.

Addressing community members at the uMkhanyakude Community Centre earlier this month, Gina also handed over computers to a business that suffered losses in the July looting at Ingwavuma Shopping Centre.

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Gina said the unrest emphasised the need for communities and businesses to work together to protect the economy and infrastructure that brings growth and employment to the area.

‘We have a huge task to ensure the future of local and township economies are protected and restored.

She urged the district community to protect what she called the livelihoods of future generations and entrepreneurs.

‘Without co-operation between the government, the private sector, and communities, the future of the country might be compromised.

‘Our immediate objective would be to ensure some urgent restoration and functionality of destroyed businesses so the capacity for the re-employment of workers, the supply of basic food necessities to communities, and the kick-start of the local economy can occur,’ Gina said.

Business people who attended the meeting also highlighted some of their frustrations since the unrest took place.

They indicated that some of their planned projects have been disrupted and funds have dried up.