The forums are the mechanism for inclusive planning at the local scale where all shareholders can agree on a common economic vision for the local scale.
Forums
The forums hosted at the Vaal Technorama Museum on March 16, were informed by the assessments conducted by the South African Local Government Association (Salga) Gauteng on the numbers of existing forums, their level of functionality and the support required to sustain the operation of LED formus.
Themed ‘Promotion of LEDs as vehicles of inclusive planning’, they will help to develop any possible structure-programme while the outcome-report is disseminated among municipalities for future reference.
The objective of the forum was to promote and raise the profile of the LED forum, and information-sharing on establishing and managing their functions.
To demonstrate Best Practices models and develop guidelines for establishment and functionality. The LED forum will enable proper communication and regular contact between the LED role-player and stakeholders within the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM).
Cohesion
Parties develop their understanding of the dynamics in the local economy and what is required to maintain competitiveness and social cohesion.
“This ultimately improves the market and public confidence in building loyalty which is very key for attracting investment and building loyalty to local areas necessary for the local economy.’
In his keynote address Emfuleni MMC for LED and Development Planning and Tourism Khulu Malindi said Emfuleni has made remarkable strides by establishing a forum that embraces local business and has been able to facilitate collaboration and access other institutions. It was recommended that Salga’s establishment of the private-public partnership can also serve as a vehicle for broader community structures to participate and influence patterns of development.
Attendants
Among people who attended the function were Professor A Louw, chairperson of the Institutions for Higher Learning Forum, Ms N Twala (Economic Development Planning: Salga Gauteng), Dr Hein Wiese (Emfuleni LED), Mr S Biyela, manager LED and Tourism Emfuleni, Leticia Naid (Project and Business Development Manager and Centre for Municipal Research Advice) and Mike Mkwela, coordinator: Planact.
Source: vaalweekblad.com