‘We Need to Expand our Transport Networks and Create a Crime-free Environment if we are to Lure Investors into Bokone Bophirima’ – says MEC Motlhabane

Community Safety and Transport Management MEC, Dr Mpho Motlhabane called on communities, businesses, transport operators, SMME’s, oversight committees and all law enforcement agencies in the Province to work together towards the expansion of transport networks and creating a crime, greed and corruption free environment.

According to Motlhabane, lack of transport networks and rampant crime are crippling the economy and scaring away potential investors from the Province and the country at large.

“Crime has the potential to derail and stagnate prosperity of the South Africa's economic. The harm caused by crime has a significant impact on society which results into drawbacks for the economy. The amount of money lost due to crime presents a great economic loss to our economy, which otherwise could have been used in other needed projects,” said Motlhabane who reiterated the importance of working in an integrated and collaborative manner with all stakeholders with a sole intention to ensure building a solid foundation in order to lure possible investors to invest in the province as well as boost the economy of Bokone Bophirima Province".

“The solid foundation is the drastic reduction crime, dealing decisively with corruption, fraud and greed which are destroying our economy and scaring away investors. We must all work on the implementation of the National Development Plan, Vision 2030 which advocates for zero tolerance to crime, fraud, greed and corruption."

“We need to create a conducive, attractive, safe and secured environment for investment to thrive and contribute positively to the economy and social cohesion,” he said.

The Transport and Safety Lekgotla was particularly convened to highlight the importance of transport in creating job opportunities and economic growth. “We must leverage the critical role of transport in advancing economic growth and reducing historic inequalities, by providing maximum opportunities and ensuring that we provide an effective and efficient transportation that will result in heightening multiplier effects. This way, there will be better accessibility to markets, work places will be brought closer and additional investments will be realised,” he concluded.

There were robust engagements with presentation by various speakers from the SETA, CADET programs, consultants, academics and departmental officials. Stakeholders like taxi associations, organised labour, bus companies, transport operators, women in transport networks; all had an opportunity to raise issues inhibiting accelerated economic growth and sustenance.

The Lekgotla successfully concluded business the following day, 10/11/2017 with a career exhibition were no less than 250 learners from villages, townships and small dorpies drawn from all four districts of Bokone Bophirima were bused in to receive representations from University, TVET colleges, SETA, Aviation Authority. These stakeholder presented a handful of opportunities and careers as well as about bursaries and funding within the sector.

Stalls inspections, viewing of animal carts, commuter and scholar busses, bicycles and light aircrafts were displayed. Lokaleng villagers were excited too to have benefited and taken part of the event hosted at the Mafikeng Aviation Academy located in the Lokaleng village.

END

Next Articles+