Steenhuisen Says Municipalities are the Engine Room for Growing the Economy
The South African economy has been through a lot of challenges in recent years, including sluggish growth rates and high unemployment. In the face of these challenges, it is crucial that all levels of government work together to find solutions and drive economic growth. And according to the leader of the Democratic Alliance, John Steenhuisen, one key player in this effort is the municipalities.
Addressing a crowd at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) conference, Steenhuisen emphasized the importance of municipalities in driving economic growth. He stressed that municipalities are the engine room for growing the economy, and their role cannot be underestimated.
Steenhuisen believes that municipalities are in a unique position to create an environment that not only attracts investment, but also fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. This is where the real potential for economic growth lies. He says, “If our municipalities are strong and capable, they can deliver efficient and effective services to residents, create an enabling business environment and attract investors. In turn, this will create jobs and contribute to the growth of our economy.”
Indeed, municipalities play a critical role in providing services such as water, sanitation, electricity and waste removal, to name a few. These services are essential for businesses to thrive, and in turn, contribute to economic growth. Steenhuisen stressed the need for municipalities to improve their service delivery, saying, “We need to focus on delivering quality services, not just ticking boxes and meeting targets. Properly functioning municipalities not only bring basic services to our communities but also create favourable conditions for businesses to thrive.”
Furthermore, municipalities can play a key role in creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. This includes cutting red tape and streamlining processes for businesses to operate and grow. Steenhuisen believes that by making it easier for businesses to flourish, municipalities can attract much-needed investment, creating jobs and ultimately boosting economic growth.
The leader of the Democratic Alliance also called on municipalities to support local entrepreneurship and innovation. He noted that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of any economy and have the potential to drive economic growth. Municipalities can support these businesses by providing incentives, access to markets, and opportunities for skills development and training. This will create a conducive environment for businesses to grow and contribute to job creation and economic growth.
In his address, Steenhuisen also highlighted the need for municipalities to be financially responsible and accountable. He stressed that municipalities must be managed efficiently and effectively to ensure that resources are used wisely. This will not only benefit their residents but also attract investors who are looking for a stable and well-managed environment to invest in.
Steenhuisen also emphasized the role of technology in driving economic growth, particularly in the digital age we live in. He highlighted the importance of municipalities embracing technology and using it to improve service delivery, support businesses, and create new job opportunities.
In conclusion, the words of John Steenhuisen serve as a reminder of the crucial role that municipalities play in growing the economy. With proper management, effective service delivery, and a focus on creating an environment that fosters innovation and business growth, municipalities can be the driving force behind South Africa’s economic recovery. It is time for all levels of government to work together and prioritize the development and strengthening of our municipalities for the benefit of all South Africans.
