Deputy President Mashatile to chair Garden Route economic co-ordination roundtable in Knysna

KNYSNA NEWS - The Yona Yethu Initiative, in partnership with the Office of the Deputy President of South Africa and the Knysna Municipality, has announced the Garden Route Economic Co-ordination Roundtable, to be held at the Premier Hotel in Knysna on Thursday 13 November.

Chaired by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, the high-level engagement will focus on the theme “Strengthening Intergovernmental Co-ordination and Private Sector Collaboration for Inclusive Economic Growth in the Garden Route District”.

The roundtable replaces the previously planned Regional Investment Conference 2025 (RIC-25), including its presidential gala dinner, SME day, and exhibition.

The decision, made by the RIC interim committee after wide-ranging consultations with government and regional stakeholders, prioritises strategic policy alignment and intergovernmental co-ordination ahead of the full RIC launch in early 2026.

This shift underscores a collective commitment to building a solid foundation for sustainable investment and implementation, ensuring long-term regional impact.

Leadership recognition

The RIC interim committee has praised the outstanding leadership of Nkosinathi Oliver Mabukane, chairperson of the Regional Investment Conference Committee and president of the Yona Yethu Initiative.

Mabukane’s sustained efforts have been pivotal in advancing the regional development agenda, particularly through the groundwork for the R250b iThuba Development Project, a flagship initiative aimed at fostering investment, innovation and inclusive growth across Knysna and the Garden Route District.

Inclusive participation

The event is invite-only for in-person attendees and will convene government leaders, business chambers, institutional partners and key regional stakeholders.

To promote broader engagement, the session will be hybrid, with virtual access available to all interested parties.

A registration link for virtual participation will be released by midnight on 12 November. Organisations, businesses and development stakeholders are urged to register to contribute to this landmark dialogue on the Garden Route’s economic future.

For more enquiries, contact Mabukane at nathiandassociates@gmail.com or 078 631 4478.

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