Note to editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Thulani Mbana.
Amidst the deepening economic crisis and increasing unemployment in the country. Metsimaholo Local Municipality continues to fail in its responsibility to support local economic development including the tourism sector.
Metsimaholo has a huge potential in the tourism sector due to its vast attraction sites, Vaal dam activities and resorts. During the DA-led administration, major strides were achieved to revive tourism in the municipality. This includes founding tourism stakeholders committees, partnerships with National and provincial tourism to establish a “Business excellence initiative program” and participation in the “Vaal Spatial Economic Zone”. All of these initiatives were meant to unlock development, generate millions in revenue and the revival of tourism and ensure inclusivity.
These programs had the potential of increasing economic spinoffs supporting local small businesses within the tourism sector and others and further creating jobs for the local people. It is always one of our priorities where the DA governs to support local businesses to grow and create jobs.
Since removing the DA from the local government, we have noticed a serious decline in these efforts and progress. This is due to a lack of political will and foresight from the portfolio head (MMC) and the current executive mayor.
The DA in Metsimaholo will continue to hold those in the executive accountable to ensure that services are rendered to the community.