By Staff Reporter
Deputy Minister of Trade Industry and Economic Development, Nomalungelo Gina said the Northern Cape coastal town of Port Nolloth has the potential to become the beehive of economic activities it once was if all stakeholders work together to implement the nine-point socio-economic development plan produced for the Namakwa District Municipality as part of the District Development Model (DDM).
Gina began her two-day visit to Port Nolloth on 3 May, with three spheres of government to discuss the roll-out plan to be carried out in the Richtersveld Local Municipality.
She was accompanied by MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, Mase Manopole and the Mayor of the Namakwa District Municipality, Councillor Mervin Cloete and hosted by the Mayor of Richtersveld Local Municipality, Councillor Arthur Jansen.
“We are making good progress with regards to changing the lives of the people of the Namakwa District Municipality through the implementation of the District Development Model as directed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Together with all the key stakeholders, we have produced a Nine-Point Plan on key developmental priorities for the district,” said Gina.
One of the interventions proposed by the plan is the revitalisation of Port Nolloth Harbour to stimulate various economic activities that will benefit small and medium enterprises. Gina is optimistic and confident that tourism, mining, fisheries, hospitality and beneficiation can be revived in the town. Tangible economic spin-offs will eradicate poverty, unemployment and inequality in the area.
She added that the implementation will take place in various local municipalities through collaboration with the district leadership and the provincial and national governments.
“As we revitalise the harbour and create more opportunities for small-scale fisheries, more jobs will be created. However, the wealth of this area must be fully exploited to ensure that small enterprises thrive and beneficiation of the minerals takes place,” said Gina.
“Our District Development Model, which focuses mainly on the Boegoebaai Port and the Port Nolloth Small Harbour, has the potential to grow and create an inclusive economy,” added MEC Mase Manopole.
The Mayor of the Richtersveld Local Municipality, Councillor Arthur Jansen, expressed his joy, “We are excited about this project. The economic focus has always been on mining. Now we are happy that our economy will diversify and we will see other sectors contributing to job creation and economic growth. We are fully committed to supporting this process to make sure that it succeeds.”
Director the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Denver Baron, said that the small scale fisheries co-op system has been recognised as the best legal entity that can equitably distribute wealth amongst members and fishers.
“Currently the Co-op in Port Nolloth activates commercial fishing rights allocated to it and thereby the local fishing industry is being revitalised which is one of the priorities of the Namakwa District Development Model,” indicated Denver.
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