The public is invited to make inputs and comments into the Draft Free State Local Integrated Economic Development and Transformation Bill
The Department of Economic Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs and Portfolio Committee on Economic Development together with the Free State Legislature invite Free State business men and women and all relevant stakeholders to make inputs and comments into the Free State Integrated Local Economic Development and Transformation Bill.
Stakeholders can make inputs or comments during Public Hearings arranged by Free State Legislature, scheduled throughout the Province from May to June 2022.
There will be Pre-Hearings throughout the province to create awareness and educate stakeholders and the public at large about the contents of the draft Bill.
The draft Bill seeks to provide for the promotion and development of the Free State economy and to create a conducive environment for the attainment of that purpose by:
- Regulating the licensing of businesses,
- Providing for exclusive ownership and operation of certain specified businesses categories for citizens,
- Regulations of foreign ownership of certain business categories through prescribed quartos,
- Designating certain commodities for the mandatory enterprise development by all businesses and provincial state organs,
- Provide for mandatory and exclusive sourcing and procurement by the state organs, of locally produced commodities,
- To provide for establishment as a coordinating representative of businesses community in those respective areas and to provide for matters connected there with or incidental thereto
The department and the Portfolio Committee started its work in Mangaung Metro Municipality with Pre-Hearings in Soutpan, Thaba Nchu, Botshabelo and Bloemfontein. The first Public Hearing to hear inputs and comments on the draft Bill was on the 14th of May 2022 at Lesley Monnanyane Building in Mangaung.
The Districts Public Hearings are scheduled as follows:
- 19th May 2022 at Phuthaditjhaba Indoor Sport Centre in Qwaqwa at 10:00
- 26th May 2022 at Forum Building in Parys at 10:00
- 02nd June 2022 at Thabong Community Centre in Welkom at 10:00
- 09th June 2022 at Gariep Town Hall in Gariepdam at 10:00
After the public hearings, the Free State Legislature will then gather all inputs and comments from all four district municipalities and Mangaung Metro to consolidate a full document to be approved and passed as law at the legislature.
For more information contact:
Tiisetso Makhele
076 833 0033
makhelet@destea.gov.za / makhelets@live.com
