Western Cape Cabinet Meets Business | Western Cape Government

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Western Cape Cabinet Meets Business

20 September 2018

Premier Helen Zille says that the Western Cape will continue to build on its status as the financial hub of Sub-Saharan Africa.

By building the capable state, the Province has managed to attain the country’s lowest unemployment rate. The Western Cape also created more than 40% of South Africa’s jobs during the second quarter of 2018.

Speaking at last night’s Annual Business Meets Cabinet Symposium, which was attended by MECs, Head of Departments (HODs) and Business Western Cape in association with Accelerate Cape Town, Premier Zille said: “It is imperative for public-private partnerships and government-business cooperation to continue flourishing, and for economic growth to be accelerated, so that more jobs are created.”

According to the latest Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 24) by Z/Yen Partners and the China Development Institute, which were released last week, Cape Town has taken over from Johannesburg, and is now South Africa’s new financial hub.

The Minister of Economic Opportunities, Alan Winde said: “During our decade in government, our number one priority has been to create an enabling environment for the private sector to grow the economy and create jobs. We are adamant to accelerate these efforts, as our work in this regard can change the lives of all residents in the province.

“As a result of working with the private sector, our province leads South Africa in job creation, business confidence, and the development of new sectors. We look forward to growing these gains in future through partnerships that create opportunities for all.”

Premier Zille added: “It is our responsibility as government to build a capable state, on the pillars of the rule of law and accountability, while eradicating corruption, maladministration, patronage and nepotism. Our governance must remain good, clean and effective if we are to continue attracting local and international investors.”

“This achievement is partly due to our continued commitment to Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), who are the engines of employment. Through Project Khulisa, which focuses on tourism, agri-processing and the Energy Economy, we have prioritised jobs for young people, jobs in rural areas, and jobs for people with entry-level skills, and this is proving to successful,” said Premier Zille.

During the 2017/18 financial year, the Western Cape Government, through the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, supported over 2000 small, medium and micro enterprises.

In addition to this, the annual Western Cape Funding Fair – a partnership with Deloitte - is the only small business conference that provides access to a multitude of financiers. Approximately 3 800 small business owners have attended the annual fair, between 2014 and 2018.

Media Enquiries: 

Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Premier Helen Zille
082 721 3362
021 483 4584
marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za