On May 16th, Minister Maropene Ramokgopato and Deputy Minister Pinky Kekana led a monitoring visit to the Saldanha Industrial Development Zone in the Western Cape Province. Their objective was to evaluate socio-economic catalytic projects within the zone and ensure that they are on track to drive economic progress.
District Development Model (DDM)
The Saldanha Industrial Development Zone employs the District Development Model (DDM), which promotes collaboration between the government and private sector to create a more integrated approach to economic development. The aim is to create an environment that attracts investment, encourages job creation, and drives socio-economic progress.
Identifying Challenges
Minister Ramokgopato and Deputy Minister Kekana engaged with stakeholders during the visit, including local government representatives, private sector members, and community leaders. The purpose was to identify any factors that could impede or delay progress within the industrial zone. They aimed to pinpoint challenges and bottlenecks that may hinder project implementation and progress, as well as to better understand the needs and expectations of the various stakeholders involved in the zone’s development.
Improvement Plan
The Department of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation will create a plan to accelerate problem resolution and ensure that the Saldanha Industrial Development Zone remains on track to achieve its socio-economic objectives. The plan will be developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders and will outline strategies for overcoming barriers to growth and fostering an enabling environment for economic advancement.
Media Responsibility
The media was invited to accompany the Minister on this monitoring visit to ensure increased transparency and heightened public awareness. Through informing the public about the government’s efforts in ensuring the Saldanha Industrial Development Zone achieves its socio-economic objectives, the government aims to foster a sense of collective responsibility and participation in the pursuit of progress in the Western Cape Province.
The monitoring visit to the Saldanha Industrial Development Zone by Minister Ramokgopato and Deputy Minister Kekana demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting economic advancement and socio-economic progress in the Western Cape Province. By engaging with stakeholders, identifying challenges, and devising an improvement plan, the government is taking proactive steps to ensure that the Saldanha Industrial Development Zone realizes its full potential as an engine for growth and development in the region.
