Knysna’s Economic Growth Officially Smaller
“We are very cash-strapped at the moment
which is why we need private partners.”
– Ilse van Schalwyk (Knysna Manager for Economic Development)
Don’t get bored. The next two paragraphs translate into ‘HOW TO FIX KNYSNA’S ECONOMY’.
At the Section 80 Governance meeting held in Knysna’s Council Chambers yesterday, Ilse van Schalkwyk, the Manager of Economic Development, delivered a presentation in preparation for the submission of the revised Economic Development Strategy (EDS) which falls under the ISDF (Integrated Strategic Development Framework).
The goal of the EDS is to “collectively create better conditions for economic growth and employment generation.” This includes developing a unique economy that attracts investment and grows business in the CBD and other business nodes.
Some of the goals of the EDS included:
- Convention Centre
- Encourage business that supports the aesthetic of Knysna e.g. boat building, vintage car restoration, green industries…
- Attract smarter work force.
- Upgrade the movement of people.
- Improve Grey Street to Waterfront linkage for tourists.
- Fibre optic infrastructure for broadband.
- Rebranding Knysna Tourism as Knysna & Partners.
- Berry farming.
- Railway.
The latter was interesting as Transnet has apparently declared that it wishes to move 70% of road freight to rail. That reignites hope in our line to George being re-established and would lessen costs for timber transport and waste disposal.
Regards smarter education, their are many organisations hoping to erect facilities:
- Knysna University Initiative
- Knysna Learning Initiative (linked to Cornerstone University and Regent University
- Conservation Global (Masters Students Summer School)
- Southern Cape FET College
- More private schools
COPE’s Elrick van Aswegen noted strongly that the presentation ignored land redistribution and that there’s little correlation between local economic development and supply chain management as it’s the same companies and people getting the business. Essentially, he was pointing out that there’s no action to remove the disparity between rich and poor, Knysna’s greatest problem and challenge. The average salary for those without a Grade 12, a big segment of Knysna’s population, is currently R28 416 (R2368p/m).
Town Planner, Mike Maughn-Brown responded that the formal sector has to take precedence as a spaza shop will battle to find customers if the customer base has no jobs. The DA’s Ray Barrell warned his fellow councillors that developed countries were already paying workers less and that that economic curve would catch up to us. He said it was essential to upskill and get rid of red tape.
Something has to be done urgently as the growth rate for the Gross Geographic Product (GGP), a measurement of economic activity for all final goods and services produced, has dropped from 9.4% in 2005 through 5.1% in 2011 to only 2.7% in 2013 i.e. Knysna’s economy is battling and would be even worse if it weren’t for more tourists which is ironically the result of a weaker rand.
Ilse van Schalkwyk
Van Aswegen’s commented that Council witnesses presentations every year but that they don’t reach their potential because there is no money. Van Schalkwyk concurred by admitting that the Knysna Municipality is “very cash-strapped at the moment which is why we need private partners.” Knysna undoubtedly does but it’s also important for the Municipality to not fail it’s duty to Knysna’s citizens as it did when Van Schalkwyk was on the tender committee that awarded the ISDF to property developers, putting big business interests ahead of public rights.
Your queries and requests for the digital presentation can be sent to Ilse van Schalkwyk at ivanschalkwyk@knysna.gov.za.
Another Knysna initiative that can and will positively affect Knysna’s economy:
FROM ROUGH DIAMONDS TO SPARKLING GEMS
There were moments of pride mixed with tears of joy and feeling of hope when the first Hands and Hearts class graduated at a ceremony at the project facility last Thursday evening.
In February this year, the young men that graduated were unemployed, unskilled and had little hope of making a positive impact in their lives. Then a new project for unemployed youth touched their lives and demonstrated that others cared about their future. The Hands and Hearts Skills Development Project of Youth for Christ Knysna cares about each and every one of its people.
The program has focussed on teaching both life skills and job skills to equip the participants to be gainfully employed or to become self-employed. Job skills included woodworking, electrical, plumbing, welding, motor mechanic and basic hand tool skills. Our graduates have learnt life skills from top Knysna businessmen. This initiative truly shows the generous heart of Knysna as people have supported financially, with goods and with time and skills over the past nine months. We believe that this is the type of thing Jesus would have done if he was in Knysna and it truly shows His heart as our inspiration to make a difference in areas that matter to our modern youth.
The graduates left their nurturing nest with mentors Daan Ludik and Gerald Bouwer and embarked on their future careers. This group now need employment at special businesses that appreciate balanced men with good skills and will complete the circle of hope that we have started and give others hope for their futures.
The graduates were determined to pay it forward and encouraged the community and local businesses to support the next group of students at the project. A BBEEE Certificate could be issued to businesses giving 2% of their profits to Corporate Social Investment to make an impact on needy communities. This initiative is the perfect conduit for these funds as it has proved itself as an empowering initiative that gives hope and makes a real impact.
Being a Section 18A Benefit Organisation with SARS, your donation in cash or in kind could be subtracted from your taxable income as you will be issued with a tax receipt.
Those wishing to consider any of the graduates for employment, or invest money, materials or time in the project can call me at the office on 0443827474 or 0825705470.
Philip
YFC Director
Hi, Philip. Send the above to mike at loveknysna.com, along with some photos, and i’ll post it at http://www.LoveKnysna.com. Thanks.
With regard to the railway, well, this is just more loose talk. We’ve waited over seven years for a sign that the line might be re-established. Only the blinkered believe there’s a realistic prospect for renewal. Meanwhile one local politician after another, one senior Municipal manager after another, come and go, having achieved precisely nothing in this regard, and having failed to bite the bullet. Bring on the cycle track.
The muscle of Transnet can flex if there’s a will. I’m hoping so but i don’t see us on the priority list as our rail line is so damaged that the start-up costs would be enormous.