Manufacturing holds key to boost Tshwane

TO BOOST the local economy, combat poverty, and create jobs, the City of Tshwane should incorporate the manufacturing sector into its economic strategy.

- RAPULA MOATSHE

Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, expressed this view during the inaugural Tshwane Investment Summit, held at Menlyn yesterday.

He was responding to a presentation by Member of the Mayoral Committee, Sarah Mabotsa, who outlined the city's economic revitalisation strategy targeting between R17 billion and R26bn in investments. Part of the strategy aims to create 80 000 jobs for locals and boost Tshwane's economic growth to 3.9% by 2029.

The strategy identifies 10 priority sectors, including tourism, construction, automotive, agriculture, and agro-processing. Maile remarked that the manufacturing sector is notably absent from the strategy, despite the city's significant role in this sector.

"You can't just have 10 sectors, you must have manufacturing as one of those because it is very important for economic growth, fighting poverty, and job creation," he said.

He pointed out that Tshwane accounts for a substantial share of manufacturing jobs in Gauteng.