Zingolweni rural communities welcomed the KwaZulu-Natal budget today.
Ms Tholwaphi Blose, 61, (078 941 1219) says she is happy to see that more money in the provincial budget goes towards education and the upliftment of rural areas.
“I have five grandchildren that attend local schools. The no-fee system as well as the school nutrition programme has removed a lot of burden on my shoulders. I urge the KwaZulu-Natal Government to create more jobs in rural areas because most of our kids get free education and finish matric but there are no job opportunities to cater for them after matric - the cycle of poverty continues,” said Blose.
KZN MEC for Finance, Ms Ina Cronjé hosted a budget discussion with the rural people of eZinqoleni Municipality’s Mshweshwe Sports Ground at iZingolweni to get their responses and reactions to the provincial budget that she presented at the Legislature recently.
“The Provincial Government recognises the importance of having strong, healthy, safe and vibrant rural communities, and is committed to ensuring that all the rural people have access to quality services and lifestyle choices. The Provincial budget has a number of initiatives that will be implemented in this financial year to improve the lives of people in rural communities,” said Cronjé.
MEC Cronjé said that rural communities have the potential to contribute to job creation as well as in alleviating poverty. It is important for rural communities to understand the direction of the provincial finances so that they can also participate and benefit in the initiatives that comes with projects that are identified to stimulate economic growth in the province.
The Initiatives like Operation KuShunquthuli programme focuse on transport infrastructure development in rural areas. The Department has identified key projects that will stimulate growth by linking rural communities to the provincial hubs of activity.
EZinqoleni Mayor, Mr Makhosezwe Mpisi, said that this visit shows that this is the government of the people by people. “It is encouraging to see the provincial government coming to the people. We are also learning a lot in that life do not end in the office,” he said.
In closing MEC Cronjé said that to reduce unemployment and poverty on a mass scale, the economy needs more rapid and broad based growth.
“This requires action by government, business and labour to: Cut the cost of doing business: Cut red tape, Raise productivity, Diversify exports, Tap new markets, and Enhance regional integration. Without these initiatives the triple challenge of unemployment, poverty and inequality will persist, and it is our task to ensure that this does not happen,” concluded Cronjé.
