Statement on conclusion of Deputy President Paul Mashatile's oversight visit on the implementation of the District Development Model, Buffalo City Metro, Eastern Cape Province

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has today, Saturday, 27 May 2023, concluded his oversight visit to Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, as part of efforts to fast-track the implementation of the District Development Model. 

Deputy President Mashatile's delegation to the Buffalo City Metro included the Premier of the Eastern Cape Province, Mr Oscar Mabuyane; Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu; Minister of Employment and Labour, Mr Thulas Nxesi; Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Ms Boitumelo Moloi; Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms Sisisi Tolashe; Deputy Minister of Police, Mr Cassel Mathale; Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe; Members of the Eastern Cape Provincial Executive Council; the Executive Mayor of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Cllr Princess Faku; and senior Government officials.
 
During his visit to Buffalo City Metro, the Deputy President engaged with the Local Business Forum, in the context of strengthening partnership with the private sector to further unlock economic opportunities in sectors such as eco-tourism, oceans economy, agriculture, oil and gas, automotive and construction, among others. 

The engagement with the business sector provided the opportunity for the province to unpack on Catalytic Projects developed at the District level to unlock economic and employment opportunities in various sectors. 

Buffalo City Metro currently hosts Mercedes Benz factory and together with various East London Special Economic Zones which hosts a number of investors require a functional port to export goods to the international markets. 

In this regard, the City is engaged in efforts to optimise the functionality of the rail corridor to ensure that the cost of doing business in the province is minimised. The provincial road network infrastructure is tremendously improving through ongoing cooperation with stakeholders such as SANRAL. 

Local businesses, including Small Medium Enterprises also derive dedicated packages from SANRAL's road infrastructure development projects. 

While Government is siezed with efforts to find lasting solutions to the energy crisis in our country, the City requires assistance in unlocking opportunities for electricity generation to cushion industries against ongoing electricity interruptions.

Deputy President Mashatile then paid a courtesy call on King Vululwandle of the AmaRharhabe Nation at Mnqesha Great Place, to provide updates on progress achieved in addressing issues raised by Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders. 

The visit to the AmaRharhabe Traditional Council was also aimed at strengthening the relationship between Government and Traditional Leadership. 

On conclusion of his visit to the Buffalo City Metro, Deputy President Mashatile and delegation proceeded to Imidushane Great Place, Ncera village, to engage with Macadamia Project Management together with members of the surrounding communities. 

The Macadamia project initiative started in 2005 and it produces and sells nuts on the open market. Currently there are structural and financial challenges facing the smooth running of the project, which affects livelihoods of employees. 

Deputy President Mashatile was apprised on efforts led by the Provincial Government in bringing stability to the Macadamia project. 

“Through this important consultation I have agreed with Premier Oscar Mabuyane to work together with the project management team, with aim to find possible solutions to address the challenges facing Macadamia Farm,” said Deputy President Mashatile.

The Deputy President also received an update of  developmental priorities led by Government in addressing service delivery issues affecting the surrounding communities of Ncera. 

Deputy President Mashatile was pleased by progress achieved in the provision of water services to the community and mandated the Provincial Government to fast-track other outstanding issues such as roads infrastructure and provision of recreational facilities.

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 081 307 9233

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria