Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged stronger coordination between government, business, and civil society to unlock inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the Garden Route and beyond.
Delivering a virtual address at the Garden Route Economic Coordination Roundtable Dialogue on Thursday, Mashatile commended the region for sustaining momentum since the inaugural Knysna Regional Investment Conference.
He said the continued collaboration was transforming the Garden Route into a growing investment and tourism destination.
“I am very proud of your commitment to promoting this part of our country as a key investor destination, but also a catalyst for tourism in the Garden Route,” Mashatile said.
Held under the theme: “Strengthening intergovernmental coordination and private sector collaboration for inclusive economic growth”, the roundtable echoes what the Presidency had been promoting – a drive to build partnerships that accelerate development and create jobs.
Mashatile highlighted a number of national initiatives designed to harness private investment and expertise, including the Strategic Partnership Programme, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), and the Government Business Partnership.
“These programmes are designed to harness private capital and expertise to enhance investment opportunities and stimulate economic growth. They specifically target issues in infrastructure development, improving operational efficiency, and creating employment opportunities for the youth, thereby addressing critical economic challenges,” the Deputy President said.
The Deputy President drew parallels with local initiatives, such as the iThuba Development Project, a R200 billion investment that aims to drive inclusive growth, infrastructure renewal, township revitalisation, and innovation-led economic development across the Garden Route District and beyond.
“These initiatives are not merely development projects; they are catalysts for change that align with South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) mandate to promote sustainable and inclusive growth. They reflect a collaborative commitment to transform the very communities that shaped us, ensuring that the next generation inherits a future of dignity, opportunity, and shared prosperity,” Mashatile said.
Intergovernmental coordination key to success
Mashatile also underscored the importance of intergovernmental relations in ensuring effective service delivery and avoiding duplication of resources.
Quoting Chapter 3 of the Constitution, the Deputy President reminded delegates that the three spheres of government, including national, provincial, and local, are “distinctive, interdependent and interrelated” and enjoins them to “cooperate in mutual trust and good faith.”
He said intergovernmental relations are crucial for South Africa’s economic growth as they ensure coordination between national, provincial, and local governments to implement policies and deliver services effectively.
“Strong intergovernmental relations prevent the duplication of resources and efforts, align strategic planning, and foster a stable environment for investment, which is essential for economic development. This is what we have been encouraging with the implementation of the District Development Model (DDM), which encourages better coordination among the various spheres of government,” the Deputy President said.
Empowering small businesses
The Deputy President also emphasised that government action alone is not enough to drive growth, calling for greater support for small businesses and young entrepreneurs.
“Local municipalities need to encourage young individuals to start their own businesses, as small enterprises create jobs, products, revenue, and services that benefit the community. Significant investments in the local economy are necessary to empower the younger generation and facilitate their economic participation,” the Deputy President said.
He highlighted the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund, introduced by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), in partnership with the Department of Small Business Development, which provides financial and non-financial assistance to South African-owned spaza shops, general dealers, and grocery stores located in townships and rural areas.
Mashatile concluded his remarks by urging South Africans to use the upcoming G20 Summit to promote the country’s commitment to building a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, united, and prosperous South Africa.
“Tell the world that there is no genocide happening in our country. Tell the world that we live side by side and we are building a nation that Madiba and Tutu spoke about. We are building a nation that Braam Fischer and Helen Suzman spoke about. We are building a nation that Fatima Meer and Dr Naicker fought for,” Mashatile said.