Deputy President Paul Mashatile has launched the InvestSA One Stop Shop Limpopo, a centralised facility aimed at making it easier to do business and strengthen investment facilitation in the province.
The facility will give investors access to government support services in one place; help them navigate regulatory and administrative processes; improve coordination among relevant institutions and address investment-related bottlenecks.
Speaking at the sixth Limpopo Investment Conference, where he officiated at the launch, Mashatile said the facility sends a clear message that Limpopo is open for business.
“For investors, the One Stop Shop will provide direct access to Government support and guidance throughout the investment process, helping them establish and expand businesses more efficiently.
“It reflects our commitment to working alongside investors as partners in development and to ensuring that Government becomes an enabler of growth rather than a barrier to it,” the Deputy President said.
Driving industrialisation and job creation
Mashatile stressed that South Africa’s future prosperity cannot be built on exporting raw materials alone.
“Our long-term success depends on our ability to add value to what we produce, expand industrial capacity and create productive employment opportunities for our people.
“We must deepen industrialisation, strengthen manufacturing and build competitive value chains that support economic growth and employment at scale.
“Limpopo is exceptionally well positioned to contribute to this national objective through mining beneficiation, agro-processing, manufacturing, logistics and energy development,” the Deputy President said.
He added that South Africa must process more of its mineral resources locally, add value to agricultural production and manufacture more of the goods its economy requires.
“In doing so, we will strengthen local industries, grow exports, create sustainable jobs and build a more resilient economy. But industrialisation cannot succeed without investing in people.
Skills development and inclusive growth
“As new investments flow into the province, we must ensure that our young people have the skills needed to participate meaningfully in a changing economy.
“This requires greater investment in education, technical and vocational training, apprenticeships and workplace learning opportunities. Every young person must have a fair opportunity to develop their talents, secure employment and contribute to our country’s growth,” Mashatile said.
The Deputy President emphasised that the benefits of investment must be shared more broadly, saying that true economic inclusion is achieved when growth creates opportunities for all.
“Investment must create opportunities not only for large corporations but also for township enterprises, small businesses, cooperatives, emerging industrialists and local suppliers.
“When local businesses participate in value chains, the impact of investment reaches deeper into communities, supports entrepreneurship and creates more sustainable economic opportunities,” he said.
Mashatile said achieving inclusive economic transformation is a shared responsibility and requires strong partnerships, as government cannot deliver it alone.
“Neither can business, labour or development finance institutions acting independently. Government must provide policy certainty and an enabling environment. The private sector must bring investment, innovation and expertise.
“Development finance institutions must help unlock strategic projects. Communities must remain active partners in development. When these efforts are aligned behind a common purpose, meaningful progress becomes possible,” he said.
Capable municipalities key to investment
Turning to the upcoming local government elections, the Deputy President said communities deserve local leadership that is capable, accountable and committed to improving the quality of life of all residents.
“As we approach the Local Government Elections in November, we must also recognise the importance of capable and developmental local Government.
“Strong municipalities are essential for delivering services, supporting local economic development and creating conditions that attract investment,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
