State Owned Entities responsible for economic development in the North West will soon have their functions audited said newly appointed Premier Maureen Modiselle. The Premier was speaking during the opening of the Provincial Legislature in Mafikeng on Friday.
Duplications and cross funding of same mandates has in the past limited the opportunity for state entities to maximise their contribution for the attainment of provincial goals Modiselle said. “The creating of a stand alone Department of Economic Development at national has opened an opportunity for a better integrated and coherent economic policy development and implementation in the country,” said Modiselle.
She said a larger part of the provincial growth and development strategy will be revised to speak to and be aligned with newly determined economic policy priorities. The step will be to seek to create a new economic planning dispensation, which is less technocratic and more participatory and consultative. Modiselle promised that all social stakeholders will be mobilised to shape and take ownership of the provincial economic strategy which shall evolve in the next few months.
“The Mafikeng Industrial Development Zone (MIDZ) remains an anchor pillar for the revitalisation of the economy of our capital city. During the course of this year, government will unveil a new industrial strategy for the MIDZ, which shall be a marketing tool to attract investors. In addition, the MIDZ will be expected to conclude all processes for the filling of critical vacancies to allow it to function,” Modiselle continued.
“State owned enterprises should play a leading role in the creation of decent job opportunities through procurement and infrastructure spending. Government will increase its capacity to monitor and evaluate the social impact or consequence of the expenditure by State Owned Enterprises.
Key areas of focus will be:
* monitoring initiatives of all parastatal procurement spend in the province’s creation of real jobs
* participation in enterprise development initiatives of multi-nationals and mining companies operating in the province. This will be monitored through existing instruments such as the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) (with emphasis on women and youth) score card and other compliance requirements.
Enquiries:
Cornelius Monama
Tel: 018 387 3456
Cell: 082 578 4063
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
12 June 2009
