Minister Winde Announces High-Level Economic Development Partnership Committee

Media Statement by Alan Winde, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism

I am pleased today to announce the appointment of a high-level Steering Committee for the Western Cape Economic Development Partnership (EDP).

The chosen representatives, who are attending in their personal capacities, have a diverse and deep understanding of the region's economy and proven track records in business. They will play a vital leadership and guidance role in the final design, implementation and launch phases of the EDP, after which time a fiduciary board will be put in place.

They are, in alphabetical order:

• Mr Ashoek Adhikari - General Counsel of Media24.
• Mr Peter Bacon - Chairperson of Cape Town Routes Unlimited.
• Dr Walter Baets - Director of the UCT Graduate School of Business.
• Mr Michael Bagraim - President of the Cape Chamber of Commerce.
• Professor Leon Campher - CEO of the Savings and Investment Association of South Africa.
• Professor Brian Figaji - Director of Nedbank Group Limited and Chairperson of the DBSA Development Fund.
• Mr Solly Fourie - Head of the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
• Mr Ben Kodisang - MD of Old Mutual Investment Group Property Investments and Chairperson of Wesgro Board.
• Ms Nontwenhle Mchunu - Entrepreneur and owner of Ezulwini Chocolat.
• Ms Lele Mehlomakulu - Head of HR at Allan Gray.
• Mr Jannie Mouton - Non-Executive Director of PSG Financial Services Limited.
• Mr Patrick Parring - Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of WECBOF.
• Mr Conrad Sidego - Executive Mayor of Stellenbosch Municipality.
• Mr Otto Stehlik - Executive Chairman of Protea Hotels.
• Dr Iqbal Surve - Chief Executive of Sekunjalo Investments.
• Alderman Belinda Walker - City of Cape Town Mayco Member for Economic Development.
• Minister Alan Winde (Chair) - Western Cape Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism.

At an initial meeting yesterday, the group expressed their commitment to delivering an innovative economic partnership that will contribute to provincial and national economic development. The members agreed upon the following:

• The EDP must enable the seamless integration of all actors in the economy.
• It should institutionalise the partnership between government and business to create mutual accountability for the future of the economy.
• It should guide, advise and capacitate the region's business players around shared goals.
• It should play a leading role in creating a conducive environment for small and large business and investment into the economy.
• It should be the centre for economic and market intelligence for the region.
• It should monitor the performance of the economy and economic development organisations.

The EDP will be the vehicle through which the Western Cape Government drives its economic growth, job creation and inclusion agenda. We have put the utmost effort into ensuring that, from conception, it is designed to succeed in these objectives.

I look forward to progress being made towards the official launch of the EDP. We are on track to open its doors in April 2012.