Ermelo, Mpumalanga – 06 August 2026.
The Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) successfully hosted its inaugural Gert Sibande Investment Lekgotla on 06 August 2026, bringing together political and administrative leadership from all local municipalities, national and provincial government departments and strategic partner such as development finance institutions and the private sector to strengthen investment coordination and unlock the district’s economic potential.
Hosted under the theme of advancing investment-led development, the Lekgotla introduced and unpacked the recently developed Gert Sibande District Investment Framework, which provides a coordinated approach to investment attraction, facilitation, retention and expansion while creating an enabling environment that builds investor confidence and supports sustainable local development. The Framework further aligns investment initiatives with national, provincial and district development priorities, with a strong focus on economic growth, job creation, industrialisation and improving the ease of doing business.
The high-level engagements recognised the importance of positioning the district for long-term economic resilience by embracing opportunities arising from South Africa’s evolving energy landscape. Participants reflected on the need to proactively prepare for economic transition while leveraging emerging renewable energy and green economy investments that will diversify the district’s economy, enhance competitiveness and secure future growth.
Stakeholders also reaffirmed that sustainable investment depends on a capable developmental local government that provides a conducive environment for business through improved infrastructure, efficient municipal services, streamlined regulatory processes and stronger institutional collaboration. The Lekgotla therefore reinforced a shared commitment to strengthening coordination across all spheres of government to improve investor confidence and accelerate the implementation of catalytic development initiatives across the district.
Ms. Pretty Chiloane, the General Manager for Planning, Economic Development and Innovation (PEDI), concluded the Investment Lekgotla with key strategic resolutions presented by that will guide implementation of the District Investment Framework. These include establishing dedicated investment advisory committees, profiling investment opportunities across all local municipalities, strengthening institutional capacity through targeted training, developing competitive investment incentives, supporting SMMEs and women-owned enterprises, enhancing investment promotion and marketing, and developing a long-term economic vision that positions Gert Sibande as a competitive investment destination for decades to come.
As implementation of the framework gains momentum, GSDM will continue working with government, industry, development partners and investors to translate the outcomes of the Lekgotla into tangible projects that contribute to inclusive economic growth, sustainable job creation and improved quality of life for the people of Gert Sibande.
Chairing the activities of the event, Cllr Bheki Buthelezi the Member of Mayoral Committee responsible for the PEDI portfolio at GSDM, highlighted that the successful Lekgotla demonstrated the district’s collective commitment to strengthening partnerships that will unlock investment, stimulate inclusive economic growth and create sustainable employment opportunities for local communities. ~ENDS ~
