The focus of the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) to intensify its efforts on the 'Green Economy' as a catalyst for economic development is yielding positive results. DEDEAT MEC Mcebisi Jonas delivered a policy speech at the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature on Thursday, 22 March 22 where he outlined the strides made by the department and its plans for the year ahead.
Jonas stated that “it has long been recognised that our agro-industrial sector has considerable potential, particularly in the context of the emergence of “green jobs”. The potential of agricultural value chains in this regard is demonstrated by a new tomato paste factory located in the Coega Industrial Zone Development (IDZ), and exporting to China”.
The relentless efforts on industry support, economic infrastructure, economic development, climate change and environmental management were focus areas of the policy speech, and these were mostly achieved through forging partnerships.
“We are pleased to confirm that the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) has received a R22 million grant from the Social Responsibility Programme of the Department of Environmental Affairs for the implementation of the ELIDZ Green Economy programme. Three projects aimed at waste minimisation, protection of biodiversity and conservation of water resources will be implemented”, said Jonas.
The progress on the partnership between the United National Development Programme (UNDP) and Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) for the Wild Coast Project was identified with the ability to “catalyse economic development in the Wild Coast”. Jonas said: “the ECPTA will facilitate and implement an integrated sustainable resource management model, centred on direct community access and co-management of marine and terrestrial resources. This approach has already yielded results, with some heavily depleted resources showing some resilience”.
Jonas announced plans of the province to host the Provincial Energy Summit as the renewable energy generation presents the greatest potential for new economic growth.
“The renewable energy sector promises to clearly demonstrate that economic expansion can take place in a manner respectful of the environment. It is also sector that has the potential to change rural realities, particularly for the women in rural areas who carry the brunt of the combined burden of poverty and climate change.
On the investment front, the following are among present and future investments with positive prospects for economic development and job creation:
- The Volkswagen (VW) Uitenhage plant investment of R500 million in a new press shop in 2011 which is dramatically improving local content levels.
- The new R1 billion Chinese vehicle assembly plant at Coega expected to create 2 000 jobs when full production is reached.
- Provision of additional rail capacity on the Gauteng corridor by Transnet with a capital cost of R7.9 billion.
- Imvaba Cooperatives Fund R32 million approved for disbursement to 46 cooperatives which has seen approximately 1 255 jobs created.
- R50 million Foodcorp commitment in Molteno to a new plant, converting the old plant into a national distribution centre;
- R2.5 billion Mercedes Benz investment for the production of the next generation C-class, and the East London plant - to double production volumes by 2014.
- Eastern Cape Development Corporation spent R5.5 million towards scoping R3.9 billion worth of projects. R2.5 million spent to pilot projects worth R523 million. R3.1 million project implementation investment. About R1 million spent to support exploration (quarrying and granite mining) for R129 million worth of projects.
MEC Jonas emphasised the stance of the province to continue with its efforts in responding to companies severely hit by the financial crisis. This is evidenced by about 2000 jobs that have been saved through the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) Jobs Fund and the Provincial Job Stimulus Programme so far.
For enquiries and media interview please contact:
Nkosohlanga Mboniswa
Chief of Staff
Cell: 082 200 4756
E-mail: Nkosohlanga.mboniswa@deaet.ecape.gov.za
Sixolile Makaula
Communications Manager
Cell: 072 751 5001
Tel: 043 605 7117
E-mail: sixolile.makaula@deaet.ecape.gov.za
