Deputy President Paul Mashatile has launched the InvestSA One Stop Shop Limpopo, a central office meant to make it easier for investors to do business in the province.
According to SAnews, the facility will give investors access to government support services in one place. It will also help them with rules and paperwork, improve teamwork between institutions and deal with problems that slow down investment.
Mashatile officiated at the launch during the sixth Limpopo Investment Conference. He said the facility sends a clear message that Limpopo is open for business.
“For investors, the One Stop Shop will provide direct access to Government support and guidance throughout the investment process, helping them establish and expand businesses more efficiently,” the Deputy President said.
He said the office reflects the government’s commitment to working with investors as partners. He added that the government wants to be “an enabler of growth rather than a barrier to it”.
Mashatile said South Africa cannot build its future wealth by exporting raw materials alone. He said the country must add value to what it produces and grow its factories.
“Limpopo is exceptionally well positioned to contribute to this national objective through mining beneficiation, agro-processing, manufacturing, logistics and energy development,” he said.
He said South Africa must process more of its minerals locally and add value to farm products. He said the country should also make more of the goods its economy needs.
According to the Deputy President, this would help local industries, grow exports and create lasting jobs. But he said industrial growth cannot succeed without investing in people.
“As new investments flow into the province, we must ensure that our young people have the skills needed to participate meaningfully in a changing economy,” Mashatile said.
He called for more spending on education, technical and vocational training, apprenticeships and learning in the workplace.
Mashatile also said the benefits of investment must be shared more widely. He said investment must create chances for township enterprises, small businesses, cooperatives and local suppliers, not only for large companies.
“When local businesses participate in value chains, the impact of investment reaches deeper into communities, supports entrepreneurship and creates more sustainable economic opportunities,” he said.
He said the government cannot bring about economic change on its own. He said business, labour and development finance institutions also cannot do it acting alone.
“Government must provide policy certainty and an enabling environment. The private sector must bring investment, innovation and expertise,” Mashatile said. He added that communities must stay active partners in development.
The Deputy President also spoke about the Local Government Elections in November. He said communities deserve local leaders who are capable, accountable and committed to improving the lives of residents.
“Strong municipalities are essential for delivering services, supporting local economic development and creating conditions that attract investment,” he said.
Source: this article is based on reporting by SAnews.gov.za. Image: GCIS via SAnews.gov.za. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice News desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Kgomotso Maake covers news and politics for Tzaneen Voice. Kgomotso reports on government, Parliament, municipalities, courts, crime and service delivery across South Africa, with a close eye on how national decisions reach towns like Tzaneen and the wider Limpopo province. Stories are written in plain English and focus on the facts: who made the decision, what it means, and what happens next.