Today, 01 May 2024, the Democratic Alliance commemorates Workers Day by reflecting on what the DA-run uMngeni Municipality has done to grow the economy and create jobs.
Mayor and Premier Candidate, Chris Pappas, accompanied by the Provincial Chairperson, Dean Macpherson, councillors, activists and local business people gathered at Howick Falls for the address.
Howick Falls has become a symbol of the change taking place all over the uMngeni Municipality. Once a rubbish dump and drug haven, the falls now sees tourist busses returning. While there are still many hurdles to overcome, there is no doubt that progress has been made.
This includes:
– R180 million investment into infrastructure over the next three years
– all municipal loans have been cleared
– two unqualified audits in a row following dismal performance under the ANC
– R33 million worth of specialized equipment
– 42 new permanent employees
– 32 new interns (increase in pay from R3000 to R5000)
The municipality has also seen significant new development including three (3) new shopping centres, two (2) housing estates with over 300 units, and significantly the Royal Agricultural Show has chosen to relocate to uMngeni permanently.
Small businesses who spoke at the gathering gave testimony of how occupancy rates have improved and how things improved under the DA.
A growing economy must be the center of the new Provincial government’s focus.
There is no dignity for people who cannot put food on the table. Jobs is the most important thing in this election.
The DA has turned around many municipalities, including uMngeni and the DA run Western Cape which has the lowest unemployment. We can do the same in KwaZulu-Natal.
On 29 May 2024, people have a simple choice: unemployment under the ANC or jobs under the DA.