MBSA boost for entire EC

ONE of the resolutions taken by the historic eighth ANC Eastern Cape conference at the ICC in East London was to fast-track the resuscitation and boosting of the ailing provincial economy through securing investment, adopting the latest technologies, enhancing skills, tapping the lucrative ocean economy and many more strategic projects.

Key to inward provincial investment is spatial development outputs, wherein the benefits of enhanced investments will radiate throughout the province and country.

The recent and magnificent multibillion-rand investment injection by Mercedes-Benz into its plant at West Bank in East London is a very positive step and symbol of investment confidence.

This is attributable to many factors, among them the determination of the current provincial leadership to ensure that the Eastern Cape’s industrial potential is fully realised and that economic growth is effectively prioritised.

The R10-billion investment will help provide new jobs.

This is in line with the declaration made in the ANC’s January 8 statement with regard to the intensification of efforts towards job creation.

Another positive and long-term benefit – thanks to the Mercedes-Benz Learning Academy – is the learnerships and apprenticeships which will be pivotal to development in these digitally industrialised times.

Through the relevant skills programmes and tapping the full industrial potential of the Eastern Cape, South African trade will increase internally and a rise in exports shall be witnessed, thus improving the nation’s gross domestic product.

This huge investment in our province is therefore an enormously positive step that demonstrates unequivocally the benefits of having political leadership that is equal to the task in the current times. — Zibele Xuba, Engcobo