Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Mahalia Kose.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Lejweleputswa will intensify oversight of the District Municipality’s Local Economic Development (LED) strategies to ensure that projects are properly implemented, funded, and benefit local communities. By closely monitoring progress and municipal involvement, the DA aims to restore economic growth, attract investment, and create sustainable job opportunities for residents.
Local Economic Development (LED) plays a vital role in promoting economic growth, job creation, and reducing poverty within local communities. In the Lejweleputswa District Municipality, the LED efforts are critical for revitalising the district’s economy following the decline of traditional industries such as mining, farming and other formal sectors. However, the municipality continues to face several challenges that limit its developmental potential.
The loss of mining jobs has left many households without income, contributing to the widespread poverty and social dependency. Mining was once the backbone of the local economy. The closure and downsizing of mines in towns like Welkom, Virginia, and Odendaalsrus have led to economic stagnation, reduced municipal revenue, and loss of investor confidence.
Despite the district having LED strategies and Integrated Development Plans (IDPs), the involvement of the municipalities within the district often hinders the pace of implementation. Other factors include funding shortages, poor coordination among stakeholders and weak monitoring mechanisms.
The district LED committee recently held a workshop on strategies to support local municipalities’ economic growth.
The DA, through the district, will strive to create a favourable business environment to attract potential investors to establish public-private partnerships (PPPs) to fund and implement key development projects.
We will place greater focus on funding to participate in these initiatives and processes to help alleviate potential corruption.