Page 7 - RBIDZ

In hindsight, that the desired outcome may not be realised by the
targeted years, the government has acknowledged a need for
partnerships and joint ventures from both public and private sectors,
which will accelerate and implement programmes aimed at fast-tracking
economic transformation and opportunities that will be attained by
the majority. With all these strategic plans and guiding vision which
incorporates both public and private sector, government has diverged
itself by putting in place institutions like Richards Bay Industrial
Development Zone (RBIDZ), amongst others, to assist government
in accelerating economic growth, socio-economic transformation and
skills development. The RBIDZ, with the mandate to attract domestic
and foreign direct investments into the region, is closely monitored
by government to ensure that it delivers to the mandate and turn
the economic landscape with speed, thereby opening employment
opportunities and other opportunities that will see the majority of
people being employed and partaking in the creation and distribution
of wealth.

Being at the focal point, RBIDZ was recently put under intensive
scrutiny by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and Provincial
Legislature whom, under the theme of “Advancing our collective efforts
to creating work opportunities for our people” visited the RBIDZ with
the aim to do an oversight on employment initiatives, large scale
investment projects, progress on projects undertaken since the last
visit to the RBIDZ in 2011 and further record challenges hindering
progress and expected service delivery.

RBIDZ was compelled to present a compelling and justifiable case on
the projects undertaken and those on the pipeline supporting the case
of the institution’s future sustainability. The CEO, Pumi Motsoahae,
and team were more than ready to host the national and provincial
delegation with all logistical preparations on point, leading to the
day of accounting to the scrutiny and interrogation by the leaders of
government.

It was a bitter sweet anticipation as one could not predict what the
outcome and analysis would be after the presentations and showcasing
of ground projects being zoomed and audited, however for the RBIDZ,
it was a relieving and humbling moment to be given feedback that the
institution has delivered pleasingly, compared to the previous years.
The commendations that the institution was still going to receive
full support and back up from government was more than thrilling
and inspiring.

Closing the events of the day was the KZN Premier, Mr TW Mchunu,
who, upon receiving positive feedback from the National Council and
Provincial Legislature, congratulated the RBIDZ and acknowledged
noticeable progress delivered by the RBIDZ, however citing that a lot
of work still needed to be done to fast-track economic transformation
and socio-economic development. He further assured the RBIDZ that
as provincial government, they will continue to support and give
guidance to the RBIDZ.

What other better feedback would have sealed the RBIDZ day, than
being acknowledged for well carried out groundswell projects , secured
and healthy investment pipeline, community development and skills
development projects afforded to youth through internships and
learnerships, together with initiatives aimed at developing emerging
contractors within the District of King Cetshwayo.

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