The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has approved R50 million grant funding towards an estimated R1.5 billion smart city, which will integrate business, retail, commercial, industrial, hospitality and residential land uses that fulfil all requirements of a town in Nkunzama village, Limpopo. This is according to the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Ms Nomalungelo Gina. Gina was speaking during the official launch of Nkuna City project by the Masingita Group of Companies in Nkunzana village, Limpopo.

According to Gina, the dtic under the Critical Infrastructure Programme has approved R50 million grant funding towards building of bulk infrastructure, road upgrades, sewer treatment plant, bulk electricity and fibre connection. The project is supported in partnership with Collins Chabane Municipality, to unlock this economic investment and job creation opportunities.

“Under the Critical Infrastructure Programme, the dtic is collaborating with various municipalities to build infrastructure that unlocks economic activities and attract investment with the aim of alleviating socio-economic challenges,” detailed Gina.

Gina said she was motivated that the building of this city was a direct response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’ s dream State of the Nation speech, whereby he spoke about creation of post-apartheid smart cities.

“We are all under great pressure to create jobs and change the direction that the economy is taking. The figures by the StatsSA on employment crisis levels, requires that we give support to everyone intending to create opportunities for our people. Any multiplier effects project and company that will result in more employment will always be our natural ally as government. This excites me that a black company is amongst those that remain with their heads above the water in the face of the economic slump as effects by Covid-19 challenges,” said Gina.

According to Gina, investments such as this brings hope to the local communities. She added that this investment will unlock an estimated number of 8 250 construction jobs and 6 230 permanent direct jobs.

She said economic game-changers like Masingita Group of Companies are urgently needed and Nkunzana village stands as testimony that this Group is a leader in black areas investment.

Gina thanked Masingita group for such a project and congratulated people of Nkunzana. She further urged residents to look after this future city as theirs, she said they must protect it and make use of the opportunities that it will bring.

Enquiries:
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
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