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Reflecting on its current state of affairs in the province over the past weekend, the African National Congress (ANC) in the Free State has resolved amongst others, to prioritise investment and economic growth in the province.
The National Working Committee of the ANC visited the party in the province to assess the party in its current condition, following the engagement of branches and regions, the party re-committed to developing and growing the economy of the province.
According to the National Spokesperson of the ANC Ms Mahlengi Bhengu-Motshiri, the ANC recognizes that economic transformation is critical to addressing poverty, inequality, and unemployment in the Free State.
She says the province has immense economic potential, particularly in agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, but this potential has not been fully harnessed due to poor governance, lack of investment, and inadequate infrastructure.
The ANC will focus its attention to the diverse industries in the province including township economy and small businesses, as well developing the required skills to meet the skills demand in the respective sectors.
“The ANC, working with government and the private sector, is prioritizing investment in economic infrastructure, support for small businesses, and skills development to drive job creation and economic growth. Efforts are being made to revitalize the agricultural sector by ensuring that farmers, including emerging black farmers, have access to land, funding, and markets. Infrastructure projects are being accelerated to improve roads, water systems, and public facilities that support economic development.
Strengthening support for township and rural economies is essential in ensuring that small businesses receive the financial and non-financial support needed to thrive. The ANC is working with private sector investors to unlock opportunities in manufacturing, renewable energy, and tourism. Economic growth is not just about numbers but about real change in the lives of ordinary people. The ANC is committed to ensuring that economic policies uplift the poor and working-class,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
At the core of economic growth and turning the Free State into an investment attractive province, is service delivery and quality well-maintained road infrastructure, which the ANC has acknowledged that there is a lot of work to be done to improve service delivery in the province which affects both the residents and business.
