REVITALISING the township economy and unlocking maritime economic potential in the City of uMhlathuze was the focus of discussion at the Mayoral Advisory Panel meeting last week.
Mayor Mduduzi Mhlongo convened the advisory panel at the Protea Hotel Waterfront to discuss radical economic transformation.
‘We have brought together experts in various fields to advise the municipality on new developments in their respective fields and to see how best we can incorporate them into our municipality programmes,’ Mhlongo said.
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A representative of the Gauteng government gave a presentation on their strategy to revitalise township economy, which entails boosting small businesses and markets based in the townships.
‘We have taken some pointers from that presentation and will now develop an action plan to devise a strategy best suited for this municipality.
‘It is our responsibility to build an economy that works and benefits our people and bring the economy to the people in townships,’ Mayor Mhlongo said.
The Maritime Institute offered ways to open up economic opportunities in the maritime industry.
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‘We have started seeing the fruits of these meetings, which include the development of strategies around the increasing of employment in the city as well as attracting investments,’ Mhlongo said.
Advisory panel member Dumisani Zungu echoed the mayor’s sentiments, stating that the setting up of a committee to deal with areas that have been identified as priority, has been beneficial.
He added that they believed very strongly in township revitalisation and encouraging people to work and grow the economy for thei benefit.
