Central SA
Free State DESTEA to outline financial plans for 2023/24─── TSHEHLA KOTELI 07:35 Fri, 21 Apr 2023
Newly appointed Free State MEC for Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Destea), Thabo Meeko, will outline how the R629.507 million budget allocated to his department will be spent.
Meeko will table the 2023/2024 budget today at Reginald Cingo Secondary School in Kroonstad. MEC for Finance, Gadija Brown, whilst tabling the province’s budget, stated more than R100 million will be allocated to Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority (FSGLTA) for operational and regulatory purposes.
Furthermore, an amount of R20 million will be allocated to Maluti-A Phofung Special Economic Zone.
“We invite the private sector to take opportunities provided by our industrial parks in Botshabelo, Thaba-Nchu and Phuthaditjhaba as well as the Maluti-A-Phofung SEZ,” added Brown.
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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality has slammed those responsible for keeping the industrial park in Botshabelo operating. The party has alleged that during their oversight visit, they noticed that many of the industries have closed – and this could mean that many people have lost their jobs.
“This area has now turned into a crime hotspot, creating safety concerns for the community. Residents who commute through the area live in fear of being assaulted. The DA will urge the SAPS to assist the community by increasing visibility in the area. The safety of the community should be prioritised. In addition, the community should also be encouraged to report any suspicious activities or individuals to the authorities. This will help in identifying and apprehending potential criminals.”
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Meeko is expected to also mention ways in which the department will revitalize Phakisa Raceway Park in Welkom, as this is believed to create both direct and indirect jobs in the area and will also serve as a nucleus around which the broader Phakisa Development Node will be built.
The departmental spokesperson, Mojalefa Mphapang said Matjhabeng Local Municipality together with the department are committed to working together to finalise the feasibility study on the potential to establish a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) around the gas fields in Matjhabeng.
