MEC Mokoena continues consultations with the stakeholders on the proposed MEGDP

The number of consultations conducted so far, with respect to the proposed Mpumalanga Economic Growth and Development Path (MEGDP), clearly indicates yet another vigorous effort by the Department of Economic Development, Environment and tourism to respond to the call made by the President of the country, that of “Job Creation”.

The Mpumalanga Provincial government saw it fit to develop a Growth Path that seeks to address the challenges faced by the people of Mpumalanga, following the adoption of the National Growth Path.

The Growth Path is aimed at fostering economic growth that creates jobs, reduces poverty and inequality.

Through the MEGDP, the province aims to create 719 000 new jobs over the next ten years. It is anchored on six job drivers, that is:

Infrastructure for employment and development
Job creation in economic sectors
New/ emerging economies such as the Green Economy
Investing is social capital and Public Service
Rural Development
Regional and International co-operation

As part of the consultation process, a task team led by MEC Norman Mokoena has already met with the following stakeholders;

Xstrata Coal
SACCI
SASOL
Leadership of COSATU
Leadership of NAFCOC
York Timber
Mondi
TSB
SAPPI
MMC
Labour Market Forum
Anglo Platinum and Chamber of mines
Witbank Chamber of Commerce
Tourism and Cultural Industries

Once all stakeholders have been consulted, their inputs and comments will be integrated into the MEGDP, and the strategy document will be submitted to the Executive Council of Mpumalanga for adoption and approval.