LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT FOR CACADU DMA

Executive Mayor Mlungisi Mvoko reported the following progress to Council on Wednesday 25 March 2009 with the Cacadu Municipality’s local economic development initiatives in the District Management Area :

·         The National Wool Growers Association has presented a proposal to the Municipality’s  Economic Development department to provide technical training and mentorship for both Rietbron Kleinboere and the Rietbron Sheep shearers projects. The Cacadu DM’s agreement with this institution will give effect to the commitment made by Agri-EC in the 2007 District Growth and Development Summit.

·         Technical support and mentorship from a local farmer with regard to the Ostrich initiative in Miller.

·         Contact has also been made with a prominent company in the Ostrich Industry based in Grahamstown, which has shown interest in forming a partnership with the above group and providing the necessary technical and mentorship support to the project.

·         SEDA has identified a service provider to conduct a feasibility study and develop a business plan for the Leathercraft project in Kleinpoort.

·         The maintenance support and business development is on-track at the Vondeling Optel craft project. The project is currently completing an order received from Norway to be delivered at the end of April 2009.

·         A service provider has been appointed for the roll-out of the Rietbron Craft enterprise development.