The handing over of an unused Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) property is set to help to create jobs in the Nkandla Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal.
This as Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson and KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli officiated the handover of the property on Monday.
The hand over will support the development of a shopping centre that will create jobs and boost local economic activity.
The initiative forms part of the Minister’s commitment to repurpose state-owned properties for the public good ending the practice of leaving assets unused and decaying.
Premier Ntuli praised the project as a catalyst for rural economic revitalisation, saying it will provide long-term economic benefits, entrepreneurial opportunities and much needed employment for the Nkandla community.
During the ceremony, Macpherson and the Premier said the property which will be transferred to the Nkandla Local Municipality, would lead to the creation of many jobs in the local community.
Nkandla Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Nonhlanhla Nzuza, said the municipality intends to use the property to develop commercial activities.
Minister Macpherson said the release of the property to the local municipality was in line with his commitment to use state-owned properties for the public good, instead of allowing them to lie unused and decay.
“When we entered office roughly a year ago, we committed to ensuring that state-owned property in communities across the country would no longer be a source of neglect but would be utilised to the benefit of the entire community.
“The release of the property to Nkandla is in line with this commitment, as previously empty property will now be used to create economic opportunities and jobs for the local community. This follows a similar release of 15 properties in Gauteng and Mpumalanga to be used as gender-based violence shelters,” the Minister said.
Premier Ntuli said the land will be utilised for the development of commercial infrastructure, with the goal of creating jobs and expanding entrepreneurial opportunities for the local community.
“This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive development and the revitalisation of rural economies, ensuring lasting economic benefits for the region. The people of Nkandla will undoubtedly benefit from the development, which will help drive long-term growth and prosperity,” Ntuli said. – SAnews.gov.za
