Gauteng Premier Nomvula Nomkonyane outlines her province’s strengths and how government plans to develop them.

	Nomvula Nomkonyane, Premier: Gauteng

 

 

Leading the way
Gauteng province remains South Africa’s economic powerhouse, with a dynamic, multicultural hub, and this status must be used to drive the economy to new heights.

Even in the current global economic downturn, Gauteng generates more than a third of South Africa’s gross domestic profit. It is the business heart of Southern Africa and the shopping Mecca of Africa. Sixty percent of African tourists cite shopping as their reason for visiting the province.

But as we are all aware, we are part of an increasingly competitive global village. In order for us to maintain our competitive edge over our counterparts in the world, we need to continuously seek innovative ways of doing business. We have to keep on doing things that will make Gauteng the preferred destination for trade and industry, tourism and major events.

Gauteng is Africa’s financial-services capital with more than 70 foreign banks’ head offices and at least that number of South African banks, stockbrokers and insurance giants. Through this, we continue to be the destination of choice for more local and foreign companies because they want to be close to the JSE Ltd, among the premier bourses in the world.

Perhaps the most compelling reason for doing business in Gauteng is the fundamental fact that ‘nothing succeeds like success’. Gauteng is already the business centre of South Africa and the entire Southern African region. The province has the most attractive investment climate on the continent.

With the second-largest population of any province in South Africa and the largest per capita income, consumer consumption helps drive an economy that is solidly based on highly sophisticated, mature financial, mining and manufacturing sectors.

Gauteng accounts for the bulk of all employees’ remuneration in the country, at a whopping 47.7%, and is responsible for 50.4% of all company turnovers in South Africa.

However, like the rest of South Africa, Gauteng has been affected by the current world economic downturn. But this crisis presents us with an opportunity to invest more in jobcreating social-infrastructure projects, in skills development and to stimulate new job-creating sectors of the economy.

In order to promote inclusive economic growth and decent work, we are injecting massive public investment in infrastructure, focusing on building transport and community facilities including clinics, schools, community centres and public transport routes.

In line with its strategy to build a globally competitive city region, the tertiary sector has expanded significantly and now contributes at least 60.8% to growth.

South Africa’s political and social transformation has provided a tremendous boost to the domestic economy. Millions of South Africans previously condemned to poverty now have access to economic opportunities and better incomes, contributing to robust consumer demand.

Particular attention is being paid to the promotion of small, medium and micro enterprises to unleash their potential as engines for accelerated economic growth and expanded participation in the economy.

Gauteng continues to be the preferred destination for tourists all over the world – Africa with a difference, offering the best of all worlds and attracting over 52% of the seven million international tourists who come to South Africa.

Those visiting our province find themselves dazzled by the blending of contrasts – an abundance of starry African skies amid glittering city lights. While here for business reasons, they get to understand that humankind did not only begin here – it continues to soar to new heights.

Our province attracts people from all over the country, Africa and the world, leading to a rich diversity among its people.

Gauteng has the most highly educated populace in South Africa and among the best educated in the developing world, which in turn assists growth, innovation and high levels of labour productivity.

It has no fewer than five business schools and three major universities, with the campuses of many international universities clustered around Johannesburg, as well as a plethora of think tanks and research institutions.

Gauteng is the undisputed capital of South African sport, including football. With worldclass facilities at its disposal, Gauteng is a major centre for world sports. It has hosted some of the world’s top competitions in various disciplines. Gauteng will host most matches and events during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

Our passion for the beautiful game is legendary and Gauteng-based football teams form the backbone of our national professional football league, the Premier Soccer League. Seven out of the league’s 16 teams are based in this province. These teams command the biggest following in the country and have earned us a reputation as the Home of Champions. We are also driving sports development in the province – to build the champions of the future.

Gauteng is the heart of this most important football spectacular in 2010. We are on track to give the world the most exciting World Cup event. Some of the obvious and well-known facts that make Gauteng the heart of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa includes:
• Three match venues
• Home of FIFA headquarters during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa
• Home of international broadcast centre
• Main port of entry
• Opening and final matches to be played here

As we know that Gauteng represents the beginning of the beginning, where all humanity began – the Cradle of Humankind – it is also important to note that this province is where the creative spirit of a nation converges at an intersection of African and global trade. Let us use this opportunity to grow our economy to greater heights, and use the benefits of a successful economy towards the betterment of humanity.

Nomvula Nomkonyane
Premier: Gauteng Province