MEEC/ MII MERGER ON TRACK
Today's visit takes place against the background of our policy pronouncement during the State of the Province Address earlier this year, wherein we announced plans to merge two of Mpumalanga ‘s premier development institutions, the Mpumalanga Economic Empowerment Corporation (MEEC) and the Mpumalanga Investment Initiative (MII).
As a result, today is a significant milestone in the merger process of the MEEC and MII. The task team appointed to drive this merger has reported to the MEC for Economic Development and Planning, Mr. SW Lubisi that significant progress has been made in this important process. The task team has set a deadline of the end of September for the design of the new institution, the appointment of a CEO designate, the finalisation of a draft business plan and all the other issues that need to be finalised for the merger.
The task team has been meeting weekly to drive this process. In this regard, draft legislation will be tabled in the legislature this month (August) to establish the new institution.
The history of development in the province is one that has seen many challenges and contradictions. Apart from the colonial past that we share with the rest of our country, rich, diverse and beautiful province has seen an unfortunate series of events, many of which include corruption and maladministration, as well as wastage and duplication associated with it. This challenge is one that the provincial administration has decided to tackle head on and overcome.
Looking at the Ekandustria industrial site estate, I am struck by the fact that we have assets and the potential for growth even in the former Bantustan areas of the province. The task of the new enterprise development and investment promotion institution that will succeed MEEC and MII will be to take advantage of these opportunities and help the government position this province for the increased growth and development, job creation and the building of prosperity that its people deserve.
Our view is that we have laid the basis for achieving these objectives. We call on all our stakeholders and partners, business, labour and the wider community, to lend a hand in promoting this province, in marketing its opportunities and in taking advantage of the bountiful opportunity there is. Congratulations to the task team and we look forward to the completion of its mandate.
Enquiries: Ntime Shosana +27 13 766 2055 or 084 673 0415
Issued by: Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Office of the Premier