The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) delegation in the Western Cape concluded a two-day oversight visit to various state entities within the province and is delighted to find that there are positive spin-offs in most of the projects.
On the first day, the delegation started with a visit to Investment South Africa (InvestSA), which is a division of the South African Department of Trade and Industry. InvestSA provides a one-stop-shop service to investors. The entity promotes investment, facilitates and fast-tracks projects by reducing government red tape. The one-stop shop houses various national, provincial and local government departments.
On the second day, the NCOP Western Cape delegation received a briefing from the V&A Waterfront on its contribution to the economy in the province. They gave details on their work in establishing the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa at the Waterfront. This project is privately-owned, but is a public entity that provides employment to approximately 4 500 employees. The museum offers free entry to all South Africans on Wednesdays.
“We are pleased to find out that in 2016 the V&A Waterfront contributed R39 billion to gross domestic product with cumulative growth of 10% per annum”, said Ms Cathy Labuschagne, leader of the NCOP Western Cape delegation. “The museum alone is set to attract 24 million visitors inclusive of local and international visitors,” said Ms Labuschagne.
The NCOP Provincial Week programme is currently underway around the country. Provincial Week provides an opportunity for the NCOP and legislatures to engage directly with citizens on challenges they experience. It further provides an opportunity to receive reports from government departments and municipalities on progress made regarding service delivery.
The delegation also heard a briefing from the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) on its involvement in developmental projects in Swartklip, Blikkiesdorp and Symphony Way. ACSA is working with the community to provide formal housing for three communities, in Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha and Nyanga. Member of the delegation concluded the oversight visit at Philippi Economic Development Initiative (Pedi) Urban Agricultural Academy in Philippi. The Pedi Urban Agricultural Academy seeks to become a home for qualified agriculture graduates to practice farming and hone their business skills before venturing into small- and medium-scale farming. This agricultural site is host to the largest earthworm farm in the world.
MLINDI MPINDI
12 October 2017
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