Online ReporterSikhumbuzo Moyo
THE success of rural industrialisation hinges on inclusivity, where all members of the community, regardless of gender, age, or socioeconomic status, must have a stake in this transformative process.
Speaking at the inaugural Rural Industrialisation Indaba, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Albert Mavhunga said local Governments have a crucial role to play in the industrialisation process and so do the traditional leaders.
“As custodians of our national culture, tradition, and heritage, traditional leaders hold a unique position in guiding and supporting initiatives that foster rural development. They are instrumental in mobilizing communities around shared goals and ensuring that industrialization efforts align with local customs and values,” said Deputy Minister Mavhunga
He said that whatever commitments will be made towards rural Industrialisation, it must be done bearing in mind that traditional leaders have a crucial role to play. He said their involvement is essential not only in fostering community buy-in but also in enhancing the legitimacy of development initiatives, thereby paving the way for sustainable economic growth.
Deputy Minister Mavhunga called upon local authorities to leverage on initiatives such as the Presidential Borehole Scheme and the Presidential Solarisation Programme, which will be instrumental in enhancing service delivery, particularly in rural areas.
He said the development of rural economies through industrialisation is also critical for rural local authorities to achieve town board status and the designation is vital for opening up new avenues for attracting investment into communities, thereby facilitating further economic development.
“The attainment of a town board status is critical for enhancing the perception of our rural local authorities as viable investment destinations, which will lead to increased funding and resources for infrastructure and services,” said Deputy Minister Mavhunga.
