The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe urged residents of Mantserre village outside Rustenburg in the North West province to establish enterprises, particularly cooperatives, in order to create employment for themselves, and eradicate poverty. Thabethe was speaking at the "Taking the dti to the People" campaign event that was hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) and the Moses Kotane Local Municipality at Mantserre Community Hall on Tuesday, 8 April 2014.
"South Africans have a reason to be proud of their achievements over the past 20 years. Dating from the election in April 1994, in which our country chose democracy as its badge and a rainbow as its symbol, our people have united in a shared vision for national progress on an increasingly competitive international stage.
Remarkably, the country has managed to achieve and sustain impressive economic growth. However, South Africa still needs to produce more entrepreneurs to address issues of unemployment," said Thabethe.
She reiterated that the fight against poverty remained the most important fight on government's agenda. She also added that economic growth will not reduce poverty, improve equality and produce jobs unless it is inclusive.
"The department will continue to work in partnership with provincial and local governments, the private sector, local residents and organizations to ensure that programs and services are delivered in an efficient and accountable manner, and investments maximise the economic benefits to individual communities and to South Africa as a whole," she added.
The acting Mayor of Moses Kotane Local Municipality, Councillor Carol Motshabi encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs and established SMMEs in Mansterre village to take full advantage of the opportunities brought by the dti.
She indicated that the economic transformation of South Africa would be incomplete without the implementation of fundamental interventions to address the challenges faced daily by the majority of the people. She also said the creation of decent work and sustainable livelihoods have been identified as urgent priorities by the Municipality.
"Our government's commitment for developing rural areas is aimed specifically at curing the blight of poverty by creation of vibrant, equitable and sustainable rural communities. To achieve this, the Municipality's role and mission is that of facilitating integrated development and social cohesion through partnerships with all sectors of society.
In so doing, we are committed to ensuring that South Africans residing in rural areas enjoy the same benefits as their urban cousins, so that that they too are covered by the blanket of unlimited economic activity, adequate infrastructure, reduced poverty, ample employment and marketable skills levels," added Motshabi.
Khumo Dibetswe, an aspiring entrepreneur attending the event, said that he was happy that the dti decided to bring such a campaign to his door step.
“Helping rural communities identify and capitalise on new sources of economic growth and employment is a great way of ensuring inclusive participation and mobilisation to enable rural communities to take initiatives," he said.
The event was attended by more than three hundred entrepreneurs, vendors, small business owners and the community. Presentations from the dti and its agencies provoked much interest, with entrepreneurs vowing to take full advantage of information acquired.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe, Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
