Bob and game reserve to be revived, Krugersdorp mayor says in SOCA
In Part 4 of Mayor Lucky Sele's State of the City Address (SOCA), economic development services take centre stage as Mogale City embarks on several ambitious projects aimed at restoring key landmarks and boosting growth.
The Krugersdorp News continues to break down the mayor's address to better inform the public about his strategic plans.
• Also read: Mayor maps out housing future for Mogale
Sele described Mogale City as the West Rand's urban centre and a gateway between Gauteng and North West, adding, 'The city continues to position itself as a hub of inclusive economic growth, township industrialisation, and catalytic spatial transformation.'
Sele cited the 2024 Municipal Socio-Economic Review and Outlook (MERO), saying key GDP contributors are community services (22.9%), manufacturing (22.6%), and finance (20.9%). In response, the city is focused on job creation, enterprise support, and rural-urban economic integration.
'Through deliberate public investment and intergovernmental collaboration, the municipality is implementing the Investment Promotion and Incentives Policy to stimulate sectors like manufacturing, agro-processing, and renewable energy,' he adds.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are being leveraged to unlock investments and accelerate project delivery. Notable initiatives include the revitalisation of Bob van Reenen Sports Precinct, Coronation Park, and a proposed Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Plant.
• Also read: Bob now a jungle
Sele says the Krugersdorp Game Reserve has received Treasury approval for commercialisation, with plans underway to reopen it under a sustainable, tourism-focused model.
Also in the pipeline is a feasibility study to transform Jack Taylor Airfield into a full-fledged municipal airport.
Sele stresses Mogale City's resilience, 'Despite socio-economic constraints, we continue to leverage our localisation advantage to promote resilience, transformation, and sustainability.'
He shared that over R62m was invested in local SMMEs this financial year, benefiting 128 enterprises. The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) created 1 101 short-term jobs, mostly for youth and women.
Three operational Agri-Parks (Tarlton, Magaliesburg/ Carmel Estate and Swanneville) are fostering food security and agro-processing, with equipment support through the Mechanisation Support Programme and ongoing land lease formalisation.
Sele also highlights progress in township industrialisation:
• Chamdor Automotive Hub supports 10 SMMEs, 20 jobs, and over R350 000 in sales
• Munsieville Lepharo Hub acquired R2.7m in machinery for two SMMEs
• Swanneville Industrial Park construction is underway with a R12m allocation this year and another R12m planned for 2025/ 26, supporting automotive services
• Mining sector collaboration continues, with R2.5b pledged for development projects. Sele praises the Mogale Tailing Retreatment Mine for awarding full tertiary bursaries to two top-performing matriculants
Regarding tourism, he states that key highlights include participation in the Africa Travel Indaba and Meetings Africa, in partnership with the Gauteng Tourism Authority and the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site.
• Also read: Pollution in the Cradle raises international eyebrows
'The reopening of the Sterkfontein Caves marks a significant milestone for the city, as one of the most iconic World Heritage Sites, it is not only a cornerstone of our tourism economy but also a globally recognised centre for paleoanthropological research and education.
These reopenings breathe new life into local tourism and stimulate economic activity for surrounding communities. As the City of Human Origin, Mogale City is proud to welcome the world back to Sterkfontein.'
Maropeng, the official visitor centre for the Cradle of Humankind, will celebrate its 20th anniversary in December and host the G20 Science and Innovation Working Group.
Sele acknowledges youth development setbacks since 2021 due to a lack of central co-ordination but revealed plans to appoint a Youth Development Co-ordinator by June to integrate youth agendas across departments.
Last year, a Junior Student Council was formed and recently competed in an inter-municipal debate, placing as first runner-up.
We are committed to supporting platforms that empower youth.'
Through a R13.8m CETA grant, 251 youth will benefit from skills development programmes starting in 2025/ 26, ranging from construction to entrepreneurship.
Major infrastructure achievements include approval of 370 land-use applications, 342 building plans worth R415m, and action on 470 illegal structures. Sele says the city is rolling out e-lodgement for planning applications and finalising property by-laws to address urban decay.
Spatial development includes precinct plans for Hekpoort, Tarlton, Magaliesburg, Muldersdrift, and Zeekoeihoek, with R6m allocated to Zeekoeihoek and Maanhaarand. The Lanseria Smart City Summit, set in April, goes alongside plans for a West Rand Special Economic Zone.
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