Addressing business people and party officials at the ANC’s economic summit, he says there has been much talk about changing the economic climate of the province, but with no action taken to actually change the status quo.

He says the party’s leadership needs to establish and drive an inclusive economy by involving residents, in a bid to advance the economy.

"This is the time to build an inclusive local economy. We must enhance the power of communities, to create a resilient economy - and if we want to build on this, we need to develop trust to begin to realise the potential of creative industries and to also see how these creative industries begin to bring social cohesion in society - building some responsibility among members of communities moving forward," he adds.

Dukwana says whilst busy building an inclusive economy involving residents, there is also a need to explain the importance of infrastructure - which could play a significant role in the development of society.

The two day summit will be held at the outskirts of Bloemfontein in the Free State, starting from today. The IPC is convening under the theme "Building a social compact to accelerate economic recovery and reconstruction". 

The summit is being attended by members of the IPC, alliance structures, mayors, the Chamber of Mines, institutions of higher learning, strategic entities, and NEC members.

In 2021 OFM News reported that the Free State has the second highest unemployment rate in the country.

The Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Destea) announced that it launched the Free State Integrated Local Economic Development and Transformation Bill.

According to the department the bill takes its cue from the Businesses Act of 1991.

OFM News