Cape town: The rapidly growing population of the Western Cape requires a stronger economy with significantly more job opportunities, says Western Cape Premier Alan Winde. The Premier recently held an engagement with business owners and law enforcement officials in Cape Town. On Monday, Winde visited several thriving enterprises that are playing a key role in job creation and community development.
According to South African Government News Agency, Winde interacted with Allistair Fisher, owner of Durbanville Tool Hire, who plans to expand operations and increase his workforce to 30 employees. Winde noted the resilience of the Western Cape’s private sector, highlighting Fisher’s business turnaround since the COVID-19 pandemic. In Stikland, Winde also visited Kevin’s Coachworks, a panel beating business that has grown from three to 16 employees since 1991.
The Premier’s next stop was an affordable housing project in Mitchells Plain, where New Age Properties is adding 50 new units to its Watergate Village complex. The fully solar-powered development showcases a future-fit, mixed-use, affordable housing model. Company owner Anver Essop shared plans to install over 1,000 new solar panels. Winde emphasized the importance of infrastructure development in accommodating the growing population.
Despite safety and crime challenges, Winde noted Mitchells Plain’s rapid development. He highlighted collaborations between the City of Cape Town and private sector leaders in driving investment and economic growth. The Premier also toured a new retail development in Lentegeur, expected to employ up to 300 people upon completion, in addition to the hundreds of jobs created during construction.
Addressing safety concerns, Winde met with management at the Mitchells Plain Police Station to discuss crime, gang violence, and the need for stakeholder collaboration. Accompanied by Western Cape MEC of Mobility Isaac Sileku and other officials, Winde conducted a community walkabout with local law enforcement and neighborhood watch members.
Winde expressed concern over community safety following the recent murder of Yonke Pakade, an off-duty LEAP officer in Philippi. Pakade and a female colleague were allegedly hijacked, leading to Pakade’s death. A team of law enforcement units successfully arrested four suspects connected to the incident. Winde extended condolences to Pakade’s family and stressed the importance of fighting for better police resourcing.