Kgotso Mmadi (President: Wesvaal Chamber), Kitu Mahibila, Sheilla Mofokeng, Boitumelo Thipe, Motlatsi Makhetha, Samantha Cabral, Nhlanhla Nkala, Venesse Richards (acting CEO: Wesvaal Chamber), Jason Wilmot (President: MBA North), Ben Mosala (President: North West Chamber), Odirile Mametse, Dr Martin Khunou and Enwee Human. Photo: Grant Betts Photography.

The City of Matlosana is extremely proud to announce the hosting of the very first Matlosana Trade, Infrastructure and Investment Conference to be held in the city from 11 – 13 October 2017. This incredible initiative is proof of the North West province’s commitment and awareness of the need to ensure that socio-economic development translates into better living standards for the North West and Matlosana in particular.

Kgotso Mmadi, President of Wesvaal Chamber of Business. Photo: Grant Betts Photography.

The attendance list was a veritable melting pot of industries, with construction, security, insurance, legal, property, logistics, hospitality, energy and training sectors all represented. Also in attendance were the North West Chamber of Business and the Klerksdorp Sakekamer.

Dr Martin Khunou from Isago@N12 said in his opening statement that businesses must forge a partnership with the Chamber of Business to benefit from the powerful networking and exposure possibilities that the Chamber can offer – echoing the sentiments of Wesvaal Chamber President Kgotso Mmadi. Dr Khunou shared that 1150 ha of land between the Matlosana Mall and Stilfontein is to be developed into residential, industrial, commercial and business parks. The first 4 of 6 phases have been proclaimed and plans include a medical school, low-to-high cost housing, a retirement village, additional schools and secondary businesses.

The N12 extension will link Doringkruin to the airport, which will be enlarged to an internationally recognised commercial airport. A large industrial area will be developed next to the railroad and the rail system will be developed further to create a central South African city that can serve as a national commercial hub. Another speaker, Nhanhla Nkala saw the potential in developing the N12 area from Jouberton to Wolmaransstad. Approved projects include 9500 residential units (from 50m2 – 80m2) and upgrading the water and sewage system. The new hospital next to Tower Mall is also his project.

Director Makhetha, Dr Kenneth Kaunda DED & T and acting CEO at Dr KK Economic Agency, highlighted the chicken and pork agri park, beef and pig farm and the R1 billion meat processing plant. This project will be fed by several nodes and will establish Klerksdorp as a beef and pork exporter. The city will also get regional Wi-Fi, run from the hub at Isago, and the Fresh Produce Market will be upgraded. Over 800 SMME’s have been trained since 2013 to promote tourism, which is an integral part of the municipality’s economic growth plan.

Dave Marais from THABO Training Services focussed on the current legislation regarding the transport of goods with the new laws already being implemented. He also focussed on the responsibility of owners and managers of drivers and how they will be held accountable if an accident occurs, the vehicle is found to have been overloaded, is not 100% roadworthy or if the driver was forced to undertake the journey without sufficient prior rest. An eye-opener was that owners and managers stay personally responsible for accidents.

The event drew to a close with local businesses being honoured by the Master Business Association North awards, with Mike Denny Painters, Toro ya Africa and Shakinah Trading (Wimpy Moll Loodgieters) receiving awards for years of distinguished service.

MOJA Magazine – Economic Growth  (July 2017)