The Eastern Cape Provincial Government with its key stakeholders have signed a joint

declaration accord to reinforce cooperation and serve as a blueprint for collective efforts to

advance the development of the province. The declaration was signed during the Provincial

Development Conference held in East London on Tuesday, 21 November 2023.

The convention organised by the Eastern Cape Government through the Eastern Cape

Socio-Economic Council (ECSECC) under the theme: ‘Co-creating the shared agenda for

Eastern Cape growth and prosperity brought together key stakeholders from multiple

sectors to discuss and review the development agenda of the Eastern Cape province.

This signing of the accord is part of a commitment by the Provincial Government leadership,

traditional and religious leaders, labor, institutions of higher learning, private businesses, trade

unions, municipal representatives, and civil society. This is to enhance the lives of the people

of the Eastern Cape through socio-economic and sustainable development, including

economic growth, inclusive employment, as well as ensuring the quality of services.

The declaration accord has committed on strengthening stakeholder engagement, social

compacting, and increasing government interaction with citizens. As part of driving investment

promotions, the stakeholders have also declared their commitment to creating an enabling

environment for the promotion of investment across sectors. The partners also agree to

strengthen relations with international partners through twinning agreements as well as

revitalising prioritising the manufacturing sector through leveraging on existing manufacturing

infrastructure, with a focus on township and rural areas.

With regards to Agricultural Economy, the social partners committed to drive investment in

primary production and agro-processing, investing in infrastructure for smallholder farmers,

food security, investing in high-value commodities and coordinating campaigns against land

invasions.

The Provincial Government and all social partners at the convention have committed to

supporting SMMEs and informal enterprises for access to funding, non-financial support, and

collaboration with private sector incubators.Partnerships will be forged for safety programs, mobilise, and train youth, and initiate anti-crime campaigns specifically focused on vulnerable groups such as women and children.

Then partners agree to the establishment of a Provincial Youth Development fund, which must

be funded by all partners and not the government alone. The fund should be independently

established under a Trust, constituted of existing social partners. Furthermore, a commitment

was made towards the realignment of education programs with skills needs, supporting

infrastructure development in education, strengthening vocational training and workplace

readiness.

Speaking during the convention, Premier Mabuyane emphasised the importance of

strengthening a multi-sectoral approach in addressing the socio-economic development of the

province.

This Accord will merge divergent commitments into a cohesive strategy that enhances the

lives of our people, promotes economic growth, and expands employment opportunities,

especially for youth, women, and people with disabilities” Premier Mabuyane said.

Premier Mabuyane further stated that the accord also reaffirms government s resolve to pursue

the provincial priorities of building a robust and capable state, ensuring access to quality

education, health, social support, housing, water, and sanitation.