This working group has representatives from all Garden Route municipalities as well as private business, and will report back its findings at the end of March.
This is part of the Western Cape's initiative to establish an Economic Development Partnership (EDP) across all spheres. At a Regional Economic Development Meeting held on Friday in George, Minister of Economic Development Alan Winde emphasized the need for all three tiers of government to collaborate with business. "It's only through joint undertakings that one can address regional issues, and so gain the competitive edge in the Garden Route."
Winde said his Red-Tape Busting project is paying dividends, but lots of hard work still awaits. The fish farm in George's industrial area - Aquaculture Insights - is a typical example. The farm is situated in a double storey building with a closed water system, yet CapeNature is delaying the environmental approval. Winde said his team is looking at simplifying matters. Towns should look at elements that make them unique and for this reason he is a great proponent of re-introducing the Knysna Elephant signage.
"Recent elephant droppings prove that they are still in the forests. Look at the Scottish - they use the Lochness Monster to market their lake district and it does not even exist.
"The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe has the potential to be an EDP project, yet national government is totally ignoring it. This is yet another example of how treasury officials should be involved right from the outset in all decision making. By pulling in treasury officials and CEOs, one can be effective in implementing projects. Our job is to create an enabling environment, finding solutions and shortening lengthy procedures to get projects underway."
Explaining the pillars of EDP, Winde said that quality education is the foundation for a good economy. "The Southern Cape has got this right with the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). Skills creation creates an enabling environment."
George Business Chamber President Imel Rautenbach hosted the meeting at which George Mayor Charles Standers, Municipal Manager Trevor Botha, and Knysna and Mossel Bay councillors were present, alongside Economic Development officials and business people. Rautenbach said although no decision was taken regarding the establishment of a regional (EDP) for the Southern Cape, it was clear to all that greater cooperation on economic development at a regional level will be beneficial to all, and all municipalities agreed on that point.
Western Cape Minister of Economic Development Alan Winde (left) was in George to plant the seed for establishing an Economic Development Project branch in the Southern Cape, but instead a task team has been formed. Present at the meeting held on Friday are second from left George Mayor Charles Standers, George councillor Leon van Wyk, George Business Chamber President, Imel Rautenbach and in front the Director of Economic Development in the Services Industries Department, Nezaam Joseph.
