The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber notes that Premier Noxolo Kieviet addressed a number of issues affecting the Eastern Cape neglected by the recent State of the Nation address. As the premier so eloquently stated: as a province we continue to grieve the loss the son of our soil, Madiba. His legacy, says Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber CEO, Kevin Hustler, is one of hope and a vision for the future. “The province is in critical need of the effective implementation of strategies for development and growth into the future through strong and decisive leadership – we should honour Madiba’s legacy not with our words, but with our actions, in support of the socio-economic growth of this province.”
This, the twentieth year of democracy, demands the implementation of strategy aligned to the creation of jobs, the alleviation of poverty, and the provision of basic services to all citizens. It demands evidence of sustainable economic growth and development, and the creation of a supportive environment in which business can thrive to ensure our province remains an attractive destination for investment.
“Organised business is chomping at the bit to see a number of plans and strategies realised. It can no longer live on the promises of tomorrow. Sustainable and effective action is the only way forward,” says Hustler. Today’s State of the Province address went some way to addressing the deafening silences of the State of the Nation address, talking to issues such as job creation, the development of critical infrastructure, vital catalytic projects in the region, education and corruption.
“The premier’s focus on the economy acknowledges the importance of a thriving private sector, as well as the setting in place of the mechanisms needed to support catalytic projects and vital sectors that will propel the province on a path of prosperity,” says Hustler. He said that Premier Kiviet demonstrates an understanding of the vital importance of the diversification of the regional economy, not only to reduce reliance on the automotive sector, but to unlock a vast number of opportunities.
These include Project Mthombo, the oil refinery at Coega, the development of the renewable energies sector to enable Nelson Mandela Bay to lead the way in green manufacturing, as well as the automotive sector, already the cornerstone of the Eastern Cape economy.
The Premier’s assurance that the administration would continue to “relentlessly pursue” the realisation of Project Mthombo bodes well for the continued development of our province in terms of job creation and the unlocking of opportunities for future development.
The Chamber, along with its strategic partners, has long advocated the establishment of the oil refinery at Coega, not only for its promise of job creation, but for the security of supply it promises, and the up- and downstream opportunities it offers in the diversification of the Eastern Cape economy. The socio-economic impact of this project cannot and should not be underestimated. The Premier also confirmed that plans for the new tank farm and manganese export facility in Coega are on track, which ensures that our region can better serve demand for manganese, also opens up possibilities to diversify economic activity on the Nelson Mandela Bay beachfront in terms of the tourism and hospitality sectors within a marina development.
Where the State of the Nation address skirted the issues of renewable and alternative energies as vital underpinnings to the continued sustainability of business, the Premier specifically noted that opportunities exist in nuclear power generation, as well as the controversial shale gas exploration. It is heartening to see the acknowledgement given to the renewable energy sector as a critical driver towards future prosperity.
The Premier’s address once again went some way to plug the gaps of last week’s state of the nation address, as the Premier highlighted the Mzimvubu project and its anticipated role in water supply and hydro-electric power generation. The question of water and electricity infrastructure is a critical one in the Eastern Cape, and our focus cannot waver. It was demonstrated during the drought season of the past 5 years that we do not have sufficient security of water supply for this metro to ensure that both industry and its 1.1 million citizens can be sustained during an extended drought period, which still needs R400 million to complete the Nooitgedacht Low Level water scheme.
While the Premier made a point to highlight that a number of road construction and maintenance programmes have been completed in the province, the omission of an acknowledgement of the sorry state of the Addo road is disappointing. The road from Port Elizabeth to Addo is in a severe state of disrepair, costing the citrus industry more than R60 million per annum in lost revenue due to damaged fruits. Effective transport links are crucial to the growth and success of business in this country. We advocate an urgent look at what is required for this crucial link between the Sundays River Valley and Nelson Mandela Bay.
“We do not believe that success can be claimed in the area of education in the Eastern Cape. Our region is sorely lacking high-calibre schooling facilities at all levels, especially in the rural areas,” says Hustler. There are hundreds of mud schools in the region, which require urgent replacement with environments conducive to learning. Our region has a crisis on its hands – this must be acknowledged, and decisive intervention is needed if it is to be overcome with the urgency the issue requires.
Hustler continues: “We can unfortunately not share the Premier’s positivity regarding the fight against corruption at all levels in the province.” While an improvement in conviction rate is to be applauded, the citizens of the Eastern Cape require tangible evidence that corruption is being eradicated, and not being dealt with on a piecemeal basis. “Individuals must be held to account, and feel the full force of the law as a consequence of corrupt activities and maladministration.” This, and many other challenges faced by this and other provinces, should be dealt with through the entrenching of strong and decisive leadership. This, together with a unified, clear and overarching vision for the province would ensure that business, government and civil society will work together to realise the dream of prosperity for our region.
Related: Premier’s Sopa only one side of the coin | Over 1 500 schools built in Eastern Cape
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