MEC Pillay calls on rural communities to play active role in economic recovery
KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC, Mr Ravi Pillay, has called on communities to partner with the government in efforts to stimulate the economy.
Speaking at KwaMafunze in Elandskop outside Pietermaritzburg earlier today, MEC Pillay said economic recovery is a key priority of the government following the economic devastation and the loss of jobs resulting from Covid-19.
He encouraged rural communities to explore economic participation opportunities in various sectors especially in agriculture which remains one of the key sectors of the economy. MEC Pillay said the provincial government and the districts have been hard at work formulating economic recovery strategies.
The MEC was speaking to members of the kwaMafunze community where he handed over Protective Personal Equipment (PPE) including sanitizers and masks. The gesture was a response to a request from the KwaMafunze Traditional Council which requested PPE from the government.
MEC Pillay also called on communities to partner with the government in fighting corruption. He said all acts of corruption should be reported so that they can be dealt with. “Those who steal must understand that they won’t get away with it. We are pleased that the fight is on and we are setting new standards.”
Pillay also urged members of the public to stay vigilant on Covid-19 saying that the threat of a second wave of infections remains real.
“The fight is not over, we are coming to December where we want to relax and have parties. There will also be visitors coming down and we need tourists to boost our economy. But we must recognize that the virus moves when people move. We have to show serious discipline and continue wearing our masks, observing social distancing and if somebody is sick we must take the necessary precautions,” he said.
Pillay applauded hardworking frontline employees who worked tirelessly to combat the spread of the pandemic.
MEC Pillay was accompanied by Msunduzi Mayor Cllr Thebolla, uMshwathi Mayor Cllr Mandla Zondi and uMgungundlovu deputy mayor Cllr Mabaso.
The MEC, the mayors and government officials also engaged with members of the community on a variety of service delivery issues including water provisions, roads and electricity supply.
For more information contact:
on Musa Cebisa
071 687 8777 or
Bheki Mbanjwa
060 968 24 17
