In order for a country, province, or district to be successful, there needs to be a stable strong foundation. This foundation is Infrastructure.
Infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth. It improves access to basic services such as clean water and electricity, creates jobs and boosts business.
The call to turn South Africa “into a construction site” has been made by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) Minister Dean Macpherson and KZN DPWI MEC, Martin Meyer.
South Africa is one of the most unequal societies in the world with no indication of the gap between rich and poor becoming any narrower. The need for stable, long-term employment is what unemployed South Africans want in order to realise their constitutional right to freedom and dignity.
Infrastructure projects play a crucial role in stimulating economic development and growth. These projects create meaningful jobs, improve accessibility and enhance the quality of life of communities.
Infrastructure projects can also contribute to economic growth in various ways:
• Job Creation: Big infrastructure projects may require a large workforce, providing immediate job opportunities. These are not necessarily only construction jobs and include opportunities in planning, engineering and design;
• Investment: Improved investment in sound infrastructure opens up rural communities for further investment. Companies are more likely to invest in areas where there is reliable infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water and telecommunications. Infrastructure also includes things that are vital to communities such as clinics and schools. Companies are more likely to invest in areas where they know that they will be able to reliably and efficiently transport their goods, as well as access services; and
• Connectivity: Infrastructure projects that improve the movement of people and goods between areas and districts such as bridges, highways, and rail improve connection between different regions and can lead to increased activity and new business opportunities.
Tourism is another significant driver of job creation. KZN is arguably the most beautiful province in South Africa. We have enviable natural heritage in our stunning beaches, magnificent mountains as well as our incredible Big 5 game reserves. We also have a rich cultural heritage, being the home of the Zulu nation. Infrastructure improvements to roads, rail and airports will improve access to tourist destinations, creating jobs and stimulating local economies through spending.
When asked, 71% of South Africans list unemployment as the top priority and concern in 2024. The unemployment crisis in South Africa is a time bomb waiting to explode.
The DA acknowledges that this crisis needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. The role of government is not to have state control over the economy, as previous administrations may have advocated. Instead, the DA believes in building a capable, ethical state that recognizes its role in creating the type of conditions in which business can prosper and flourish. This is what will stimulate economic development in our rural areas.
Part of these conditions is a stable, reliable, functioning and well-maintained infrastructure. In order to attract business and investment to KZN’s rural areas and grow local economies, there needs to be a concerted effort to make doing business in SA and KZN attractive to investors while red tape must be cut.
The call to turn South Africa and KZN “into a construction site” is already showing results. Employment statistics released by StatsSA for the quarter show that the official unemployment rate has decreased from 33.5 % to 32.1%, and expanded unemployed rate from 42.6% to 41.9%. The biggest gains have been in the construction industry, with an increase of 176 000 jobs.
KZN Premier, Thami Ntuli, outlined three priorities during his earlier State of the Province Address;
* Driving inclusive economic growth and job creation
* Reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living and
* Building a capable, ethical and developmental state
Turning South Africa and KZN “into a construction site” is a noble statement that can go a long way to address these priorities. This is not the first time that the President has used this phrase, but with the partners in both the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) and Government of National Unity (GNU), it is the first time there has been political will to do so and create a positive impact on the lives of KZN and South Africa’s people.
The DA has welcomed the stance taken by KZN Finance MEC, Francois Rodgers, in ensuring that funds available be utilized in a transparent and accountable manner. The dire financial status of our province is no secret and there must be controlled and responsible spending of public funds.
Agreements put into place by the KZN’s DPWI under MEC Meyer show a zero tolerance for corruption and unethical practises. This includes refusing to deal with criminal syndicates.
The call to turn KZN “into a construction site” through major infrastructure development projects can stimulate growth and provide opportunity in rural areas. At the same time, care must be taken when planning and allocating these projects.
The dire financial position in which KZN finds itself does not allow for poor planning. Projects for projects sake cannot be allowed to occur. All departments must work cohesively. Schools must not be built where communities cannot access them simply because there are no roads or bridges.