The Northern Cape Premier, Zamani Saul, revealed in his State of the Province Address (Sopa) that the provincial government cannot realise its dream of making the Northern Cape a modern and innovative province without drastically improving the spatial planning and infrastructure of the capital city.

The Northern Cape’s economy expanded by 2,8% in 2017 on the back of the improved performance by the mining and agriculture industries. Saul revealed it was the province’s highest growth rate in recent years, a sign of the province’s increasing potential. He is, however, concerned about the country’s first quarter GDP figures which revealed the mining industry has been declining for the third consecutive quarter - a huge concern for a province that relies heavily on mining. It is a result of this, that the province is shifting its focus towards growing other industries, many of which are in the capital city.

The Sol Plaatje Municipality has over the last year been the battleground for some of the most intense protest action in the province. In 2018, the capital descended into chaos after disgruntled residents called for the head of the then Sol Plaatje Mayor, Mangaliso Matika.

The provincial government pledges to have key developmental and spatial plans mapped out and finalised by September 2019 ahead of the investment conference in November.

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