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Western Cape Business 2018 edition

  • Text
  • Nedbank
  • Sectors
  • Growth
  • Finance
  • Government
  • Africa
  • Management
  • Infrastructure
  • Transport
  • Opportunities
  • Energy
  • Development
  • Wesgro
  • Vodacom
  • Investment
  • Cape
  • Business
  • Tourism
  • Economic
  • Municipality
The 2018 edition of Western Cape Business is the 11th issue of this highly successful publication that, since its launch in 2005, has established itself as the premier business and investment guide for the Western Cape. In addition to the regular articles providing insight into each of the key economic sectors of the province, there are special features on the growth of tourism (spurred by an innovative programme designed to create more direct flights to Cape Town), medical technology as a growth sector and the pursuit of excellence that drives the Cape Winemakers Guild. The journal contains a message from Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, and contributions from significant business leaders from Accelerate Cape Town, the Cape Chamber of Commerce and the Western Cape Business Opportunities Forum. An interview with Tim Harris, Wesgro’s CEO, reveals some of the recipe for the province’s economic success. Updated information on the Western Cape is also available through our monthly e-newsletter, which you can subscribe to online at www.globalafricanetwork.com, in addition to our complementary business-to-business titles that cover all nine provinces as well as our flagship South African Business title.

Delivering quality roads

Delivering quality roads The Department believes that a good provincial road system maximises potential economic and social benefits, and improves access to opportunities for all. For this reason, high-quality road infrastructure forms an important component of an effective transport system in the province. Our investments aim to preserve both surfaced and gravel roads, and bridges to prevent the accumulation of maintenance backlogs. The Department designs and manages roadworks in such a way that inconvenience to road users is minimised at all times. Special thanks are due to all motorists who patiently navigate their way through these construction projects. The end result is always worthwhile – a better and safer travelling experience for all. These projects are specifically planned and executed in a way that advances important socio-economic objectives, including spending specified proportions of contract budgets on targeted contractors, on local labour, and on the training of local labour. The R487 million project to add a third lane to the N1 between Plattekloof Road and the Old Oak Interchange (to be completed early in 2019) is one of the major road improvement projects currently under way. Another is the R583 million project to rehabilitate and upgrade various sections of the R60 and R62 between Ashton and Montagu through Cogmanskloof (to be completed late in 2018). The projects are expected to have a number of tangible long-term benefits for the thousands of motorists who use these roads. Transport operations The Department values the delivery of safe, reliable and integrated transport systems that facilitate economic development, connect communities to places of work, and improve access to public amenities and social services. In this regard, the Department recognises that public transport improvement initiatives should focus on all modes of transport with the ultimate goal of making public transport the mode of choice. People should be able to meet their daily transport needs in comfort, in safety and at a reasonable cost. An example is the George Integrated Public Transport Network (GIPTN), a partnership project between the Western Cape Government, the Municipality of George, and the national government to establish a high-quality, scheduled bus service in George. Phase 1 of the Go George bus service began operating in December 2014 and three phases are currently in operation. The network is the first complete integrated transport transformation project outside a major South African city. The GIPTN system is a model for smaller South African population centres seeking to implement infrastructure-light high-quality bus systems. The project began with the full-scale transformation of the public transport industry in George. Public transport operators own 100% of George Link, the newly established vehicle operating company that provides operating services to GIPTN. The network bears testament to the tangible value of partnership, public sector investment, good intergovernmental relations, and effective stakeholder management.

Public works The Department will continue to provide a balanced provincial government building infrastructure that promotes integration, accessibility, sustainability, equity, environmental awareness, economic growth, and social empowerment. The Department values the preservation of the immovable asset portfolio for future generations and helps to ensure the best use of those assets. The Department and the City of Cape Town are currently engaged in an ambitious project to transform the Two Rivers Urban Park (TRUP) into a sustainable neighbourhood to help overcome the legacy of apartheid spatial planning. Located at the convergence of the Black and Liesbeek Rivers, TRUP is envisaged as a 120 ha mixed-use, mixed-income, transit-oriented development for sustainable living. It will offer a mixture of residential, work, recreational and commercial opportunities in a connected landscape. This iconic project offers the Western Cape an opportunity to create an integrated response to the need for green developments that give effect to a “live, work, play” lifestyle. The envisioned development will be located around a central park which highlights the natural beauty of the two rivers. Due to the infrastructural constraints of the site, substantial work has been done to explore the feasibility of innovative green solutions to infrastructure provision, waste disposal, transport, and energy. The first phase of the project, which consisted of pre-feasibility and conceptual design, has been finalised, and a group of professional specialists is currently busy with the feasibility and planning phase. Another key milestone is the Better Living Model Exemplar Project, which aims to unlock a new approach to using government property to leverage integrated living, starting with the redevelopment of the former Conradie Hospital site. This is a priority project for the province and brings with it the potential for better spatial integration of society, and is a step towards correcting the inequalities of the past. Improved partnerships with the private sector will also be part of the approach at Conradie. For more information, visit https:// www.westerncape.gov.za/betterlivingmodel/ Job creation and skills upliftment The Western Cape continues to experience unacceptably high levels of unemployment and poverty. The need to create jobs and the increasing costs of providing services are challenges that the Department is striving to overcome. The Department will continue to play a significant role as coordinator of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in the Western Cape. The EPWP aims to provide short-term work opportunities and skills development, especially for youth, women, and people with disabilities. The skills development component seeks to enhance the chances that participants will be able to find jobs or start their own businesses after their participation in the EPWP ends.

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