The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, has underscored the crucial role of local government in strengthening South Africa’s manufacturing and export capabilities.
Addressing the 2nd Annual District Development Model (DDM) Conference at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha on Saturday, Godlimpi said municipalities are central to providing services, reducing bureaucratic obstacles, and creating opportunities for manufacturing enterprises — whether located in central business districts, industrial parks or special economic zones.
“Manufacturing is not just an economic activity, it’s the engine that drives growth, supports resilience and creates stable, well-paying jobs.
“For our municipalities, this means fostering environments where manufacturing enterprises can flourish and in turn, drive local economies forward,” Godlimpi said.
Godlimpi emphasised that manufacturing is an essential foundation of economic stability due to its resilience to external factors such as global commodity prices and weather conditions.
“Unlike sectors that rely on finite resources or favourable weather,
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