Page 3 - RBIDZ

LETTER FROM

THE EDITOR

CHOICE SIHIYA
STAKEHOLDER AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

At this point I am tempted to revisit various projects and activities that gaps and afford the people with platforms to partake in changing
have packaged the journey of the last two (2) quarters, categorically their lives. Specifically we can mention programmes such as Black
one would highlight the completion of the Techno-park administration Industrialists, Operation Vula, revision of the Preferential Procurement
building located in Phase 1A which is now set to resume receiving Policy Framework Act of 2017 (PPPA) which all focus on cracking the
interested parties who have deep seated intentions to play in the barriers hindering skills development, employment and inclusivity of
technology space (Page 8). Another critical milestone has been the the majority in the economic growth, transformation and participation
ever complex doubling of lanes of the John Ross parkway further in the creation of wealth.
leading to Medway Road which takes you straight up to Phase 1A
and further to the southern entrance of the Port of Richards Bay, but All these projects aim to address the shortcomings that emanate from
before you can reach Phase 1A you would be astonished by how the the past history where opportunities were afforded to the minority.
newly constructed bridge crossing over Ngodweni canal has been Paving the direction is the National Development Plan (NDP) which
strategically constructed to give passage to water flowing below it. outlines the vision of the country to create11 million jobs by 2030
The improved road boasts inventive LED lights that gleam both John and the plan feeding down to the Provincial Growth and Development
Ross Parkway and Medway road. (Page 9). Plan which then implements programmes aimed at accelerating the
vision of the NDP.
RBIDZ has also seen one of the estates, Phase 1F located in Alton,
taking shape with the civil and electrical work being undertaken to The provincial government prioritises the role of infrastructure
ready the site for investors. Further the estate has been recently development and regards this as an initiative towards affording
declared a Customs Control Area (CCA) by SARS simply interpreted employment opportunities and further eradicating poverty, enhancing
as a protected and secured estate accessible to locators who have economic growth and attracting investments into the Province.
registered with SARS as CCA Enterprises. The CCA affords exclusive Centralising the infrastructure development as playing a critical role,
incentives to locators within the estate. the provincial government has set a stretched target to increase
investments in the capital infrastructure from the current which has
Another highlight was the announcement by the MEC for Economic been sitting at 16.5% of the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) up to
Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs- Mr Sihle Zikalala that 25% by 2020.
RBIDZ together with Dube Trade Port would be the central institutions
to incubate the Black Industrialists Programme aimed at assisting As the RBIDZ we are not exempted from driving all these programmes
emerging entrepreneurs with mentorship, coaching, technical support to assist the government to accelerate the economic growth and
and funding for businesses that prove long term sustainability and transformation. Our stature has been to incorporate local labour in
creation of employment opportunities for the people once in operation the infrastructure development to allow community participation and
(Page 8). creation of employment whilst the projects are progressing ushering
in a new era.
It is a fact that unemployment in the country remains a defeating
challenge for the government as the majority of the people are still At this point we are confident that the RBIDZ is navigating a positive
unemployed and live in adverse poverty. In hindsight, the government is path to be the motor - force for change and certainly the horizon
fighting all battles to break the barriers that distance the people from looks bright!
employment and socio-economic development. It is this compelling
reality that pushes the government to pull all strides in revising policies, ….. Read on and enjoy…until then.
putting up plans and programmes that will directly focus on identifying

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