POLOKWANE – Capricorn District Municipality (CDM) hosted a business breakfast for members of the business community at Park Inn Hotel on Friday to inform prospective investors about the host of opportunities offered by the district.
The main item on the agenda was a panel discussion in which CDM executive manager of planning and environmental management services (DPEMS), Kurhula Shilubane appeased guests on the significance of the Polokwane Municipality as a logistics and agricultural hub and was followed, among others by a representative of Gateway Airport Authority Limited (Gaal) on the status of the airport.
A representative of African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) enlightened the audience on export opportunities and assistance and Sanral’s representative offered information about the roads network. Representatives of Coca-Cola and Barloworld were also invited.
Calvin Masoga, member of the mayoral committee for DPEMS, was the programme director and he called Mayor Mamedupi Teffo to the podium to deliver the opening address.
“It is that time of the year again when we gather to reflect and interact about business opportunities in our region and, more importantly, thank you for partnering with us in our resolve to grow our local economy. We use this rare platform to strengthen partnerships and leverage investment opportunities in order to create employment and alleviate poverty,” the mayor said.
Teffo stressed that big and small businesses are the engines of economic growth. “In our region, big corporates such as Coca-Cola have set a very high standard for job creation, uplifting many SMMEs in their supply chain, and extending a helping hand through corporate social investment initiatives,” she explained.
“Our SMMEs are particularly crucial as they bring diversity and resilience to our economic landscape, which is why we have made it a serious business in terms of our IDP and LED Strategy to continuously support their viability in various ways so they can thrive and sustain themselves,” Teffo said.
Teffo referred to Sanral, which plays a pivotal role in the region’s development. “By maintaining and expanding our road network, Sanral ensures that goods and services move efficiently across our land and beyond. This logistical connectivity is essential for businesses to thrive, as it reduces transportation costs, improves access to markets and enhances overall productivity.”
“Our local airport is another critical asset in unlocking business opportunities. It serves as a gateway to the SADC region and the world, making it easier for businesses to operate globally. This is particularly important for sectors such as tourism, manufacturing and agriculture, which rely on efficient transportation to reach their customers and suppliers. The presence of a well-functioning airport can be a deciding factor for businesses considering where to locate their operations.”
“Another driver of our economic growth is the Continental Free Trade area, which, as we look to the future, we must leverage the opportunities it presents so we can take economic development from where it is now to where we want it to be in the foreseeable future,” Teffo said.
According to the mayor, CDM is committed to a way forward that promotes interdependence and partnerships.
“To achieve this, we need to explore initiatives that promote skills development and mentorship programs that empower your human capital and aspiring entrepreneurs in our communities. By investing in the training of staff, you won’t only improve their productivity but also enrich the pool of skilled professionals that your businesses rely upon or want to work with,” Teffo concluded.
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