By More Matshediso
Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma will in the next few weeks prioritise the economy and local government by handing over the operator permit for the Dube Trade Port IDZ and by taking forward the work done during the launch of the Back to Basics campaign.
According to the Presidency, the President will on Tuesday hand over the operator permit for the Dube Trade Port Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) at the King Shaka airport precinct in Durban, to KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu.
This follows what the President said in the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in June 2014, that the economy would take centre stage during this administration, announcing a target of five percent growth by 2019.
Last year, the President launched the Saldanha IDZ in the Western Cape. “The IDZs are intended to promote industrialisation and create awareness about the Special Economic Zones programme and its potential to grow the economy,” the Presidency said.
“IDZs are also aimed at creating jobs through establishing a conducive environment for foreign direct investment,” the Presidency said.
It said Saldanha IDZ, though new and not fully developed, has already attracted the interest of 19 potential investors who are keen to locate there, thus demonstrating the potential of the IDZs.
Local Government
“The President also announced that local government would be revitalised and strongly supported, as the sphere that is closest to the people and the engine of service delivery. A number of key meetings and events will take place this month to take these commitments forward,” the Presidency said.
The Presidency said President Zuma will on Wednesday take forward the work done during the launch of the Back to Basics campaign at the Presidential Local Government Summit (PLGS), which took place on 18 September 2014.
“He has convened a meeting of the President’s Coordinating Committee (PCC), which is the statutory body that brings together national government, Premiers and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) association.
“On the agenda of the meeting, which will take place at the Union Buildings, is the strengthening of local government to improve service delivery and promote economic growth and development at a local level,” said the Presidency.
Mining Sector
President Zuma also announced in the SONA that he would lead the government-labour-mining sector interface, and that the revitalisation and rebuilding of distressed mining towns and communities would be a priority during this term of government.
The Presidency says he will host a meeting of the Mining Sector National Consultative Forum on Thursday, in Pretoria.
Operation Phakisa
In August, the President launched the delivery programme Operation Phakisa. The first phase of Operation Phakisa focused on unlocking the potential of the country’s ocean economy.
“Teams from government, business, labour and academia have been working together in Durban since 8 August exploring the potential of the country’s oceans to boost economic growth and job creation,” said the Presidency.
It said the President will release the findings at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban on 15 October.
“The President had announced in the SONA that he would convene the Presidential Business Working Group to discuss joint action for economic growth. The Working Group will meet on 24 October in Pretoria,” the Presidency said.
It added that the teams from business and government have been working since last year and will use the day to give feedback to the principals in government and business.
The Presidency said President Zuma will later this month also interact with business associations such as the South African Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the South Africa-Turkish Business Association.
“Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa recently convened the Joint/NEDLAC Working Group which brings together business, labour, community and government, also discussing matters aimed at improving collaboration and taking the goal of promoting inclusive economic growth forward,” said the Presidency. - SAnews.gov.za
