By: Kanto
Kai Okanta
South Africa’s Deputy
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, has
highlighted the untapped economic potential of the uMkhanyakude region, saying
it could serve as a strategic gateway into the Southern African Development
Community (SADC) region.
Gina made the remarks in her
keynote address at the uMkhanyakude Investment Gala Dinner, hosted in
Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, as part of the government’s District Development
Model (DDM).
She said the government had
made strides in ensuring the region was ready for investment, noting that the
DDM was intended to reposition local governments as drivers of economic growth.
Gina also said coordination
and endorsements at various levels of government were helping the uMkhanyakude
District break down institutional silos, paving the way for investments that
could strengthen local value chains and further develop the region.
The investment gala provided
an opportunity to highlight the district’s economic potential and the role of
coordinated government efforts in creating conditions for investment and
growth.
