Back Row(l-r) Cllr TRJE Ramokhoase – Fezile Dabi , Cllr MP Moshodi, Cllr M Hlongwane – Sedibeng.
Front Row (l-r):Cllr  M Wenger – Midvaal, Cllr M Mokgosi, Cllr D Tsotetsi – Emfuleni, Cllr Fundiswa Ngubentombi – Metsimaholo.

“Vaal 21” – One step Closer

[26.02.08] Senior politicians and officials of both Sedibeng (and its 3 locals) and Fezile Dabi (and its 4 locals) met at Stonehenge in Parys to take the Vaal 21 concept one step closer to reality. The two-day Lekgotla examined details of a cross-border economic cooperation that will see the two Districts develop a regional economy.

The two-day Lekgotla examined details of a cross-border economic cooperation that will see the two Districts develop a regional economy. The prospect of a combined economic region which would bring together industrial giants such as Sasol and ArcelorMittal is one that could deliver significant impact on the region.

Under discussion at the retreat was ways to overcome the unnatural development in both District up to the Vaal River, rather than around the river.

The programme started off with an address by 2 MEC’s. MEC Neo Masithela (Tourism, Environmental and Economic Affairs, Free State) and MEC Qedani Dorothy Mahlangu (Local Government, Gauteng).

MEC Neo Masithela (Tourism, Environmental and Economic Affairs, Free State)

Both MEC lauded the efforts of the two Districts to look beyond their borders at cross-border cooperation.
MEC Qedani Dorothy Mahlangu
(Local Government, Gauteng)

On the second day the concept of ‘Vaal 21’ was interrogated with inputs on international best practices, on practical observations by a delegation to Spain and Portugal in 2007 as well as the importance of branding and marketing. Under the direction of facilitator, Pascal Moloi, the two Districts worked their way through a clear and concise understanding of the concepts behind the establishment of Vaal 21. The process will continue to unfold in the next few months, until all 9 affected Councils adopt formal resolutions to endorse the programme.