By Rorisang Rampheteng:
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged stronger cooperation between government, communities and the private sector to accelerate rural development.
He was speaking on the last day of the two-day Rural Development Indaba held at Lemo Green Park in Bloemfontein last week.
The gathering, hosted by the national Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, brought together government officials, traditional leaders, farmers, youth groups and other stakeholders to discuss ongoing challenges in rural areas and practical solutions for improving service delivery, job creation and economic development.
Call for Stronger Partnerships and Investment
Mashatile said rural development remains a key pillar in addressing poverty and driving economic growth in South Africa. “We must work together to build sustainable rural economies that create jobs, improve infrastructure and ensure that rural communities are not left behind,” Mashatile
He further highlighted the importance of increased investment in agriculture, roads, water systems and other essential infrastructure to improve living conditions in rural communities.
Mashatile also stressed that cooperation across all sectors is necessary to address unemployment and inequality affecting rural areas.
Youth and Rural Economic Participation
Discussions at the indaba also focused on the role of young people in driving rural economic development, particularly in agriculture and small business initiatives.
Mamodiehi Letooane said rural development must go beyond farming and include broader opportunities for communities, especially the youth and women. “Rural development is not only about agriculture, but also about creating opportunities for young people, women and communities to build a better future,” Letooane
Community Concerns and Development Gaps
Elton Seleke Khotle raised concerns about the ongoing struggles faced by rural communities, including a lack of infrastructure and limited access to funding and services. “We need practical solutions that will change the lives of people in rural communities. Development must reach the people on the ground and create real impact,” Khotle said.
Community members attending the indaba also raised issues of poor service delivery, inadequate infrastructure and limited government support, calling for more targeted investment in rural development programmes.
The indaba concluded with a strong call for continued collaboration between government, the private sector and communities to ensure sustainable rural development, improved service delivery and inclusive economic growth across South Africa’s rural areas.
Indaba Raises Accountability Concerns
Day one of the two-day National Indaba raised concerns over the absence of Free State provincial leadership during a media briefing session.
The indaba, also attended by ministers, deputy ministers, and rural communities, discussed issues affecting rural development, infrastructure and economic growth in rural areas.
However, concerns emerged after Free State MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Elsabe Rockman, and other provincial government representatives failed to attend the media briefing following presentations at the event.
During the engagement, questions were raised regarding challenges facing rural communities in QwaQwa and other rural parts of the province. Members of the media and delegates sought accountability and responses on issues affecting residents in rural settlements, including infrastructure development and service delivery concerns.
Despite the questions focusing on matters affecting communities within the Free State, there was no senior provincial representative available to respond during the media briefing.
Attendees expressed disappointment, saying the absence of provincial leadership created a gap in accountability at a platform intended to address rural development challenges facing communities. “The people expected answers from those responsible for rural development in the province, but there was no one from the Free State government during the media briefing to respond to the concerns raised,” one attendee said. – @NewsSA_Online
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