A mixture of economic development-related challenges that ravaged the town of Nongoma has led hundreds of local business people and local communities to descend to Nongoma Town Hall today to pour their hearts out to MEC for Finance, Ina Cronjé during her trademark pre-budget roadshow in the area.
The purpose of the pre-budget roadshow, the third one so far ahead of the March 8 budget presentation, is to communicate the planned budget allocations, educate and empower communities so that they can make an informed contribution in the shaping of the provincial budget.
The complaints and comments that MEC Cronjé heard today include rubbish not collected by the municipality, lack of electricity, impassable roads, lack of water, lack of sufficient clinics and ambulances and lack of jobs as well as business opportunities for the local business people.
A local businessman, Sbusiso Mkhize said business opportunities in Nongoma are given to people from outside the area.
"We have very few business opportunities here, and the few that come into the area, are given to the people who are not even from here. If the economy of this town has to grow and people benefit in terms of jobs, we must be given a chance to bid and work our area and that is when local jobs will be created," he said.
Jeremiah Mavundla, Mayor of Nongoma said the municipality is doing all it can to satisfy the community with the limited resources it currently has. He pleaded with the community to be tolerant and give the municipality a chance to roll out its plan to develop the area.
Addressing the community, Cronjé said Nongoma is the hub of Zulu tradition and a beautiful tourist destination which has a potential to attract investment and development.
"The business people of this town need to build their economy while the municipality is creating an enabling environment. Although we are here about budget education and consultation, but we have to encourage a situation where the municipality works closely with its business community as well as its people. Of particular concern to us is that if the municipality is struggling to manage the resources they currently have, they must request Provincial Treasury to help," she said.
For more information:
Contact the department's Spokesperson
Musa Cebisa
Cell: 071 687 8777
