In this issue, we took time to get to know what makes our colleagues in the Sedibeng Region tick. Our Sedibeng regional office consists of two offices, Vereeniging and Heidelberg and looks after entrepreneurs in the vast of South of Gauteng area. The Regional Manager, Sello Manoto, who has been with GEP for 14 years, tells us more about the region and the GEP’s work in the area.
Good day, Sello, tell us about Sedibeng and what makes it interesting:
Sedibeng Region is based in the South of Gauteng. It is comprised of three local municipalities, namely, Emfuleni, Lesedi, and Midvaal. Emfuleni consists of Vereeniging and Vanderbijlpark towns. It has various townships under it. Midvaal has Meyerton and Walkerville and townships. Lesedi consists of Heidelberg and Devon with various townships under it. It is situated right next to the Great Vaal River. It is also located at the border between Gauteng and Free State. The majority of the population has roots in the Free State and Lesotho. Politically, it has Sharpeville, which is where 69 people were massacred in 1960 and the most significant rent boycott that took place in Sebokeng in September 1985.
What economic challenges and opportunities do you and the team see in your region?
The region is the hub of the steel manufacturing sector. Arcelor-Mittal is one of the biggest employers after the municipalities. The region has British American Tobacco situated in Heidelberg. It is the biggest tobacco production site in Southern Africa. It also has Heineken Brewery situated in Meyerton. As classified by Gauteng Provincial Government, the region is one of the most depressed economically. The majority of people are dependent on grants, and unemployment levels are pretty high. In terms of tourism, the region is doing reasonably well. However, there is a potential to do better. The Sedibeng District Municipality is pursuing various initiatives through the economic recovery plan. The agroprocessing industry is also gaining momentum in the area. In few years, the region will be the food basket of Gauteng as envisaged by the Provincial Government. Vaal River City is also on the plans as part of the Special Economic Zone opportunity.
Tell us about the difference you think the presence of GEP makes in the region
GEP has done a lot for the Co-operatives and SMMEs in the region. The region managed to change and transformation to people’s lives. Through our workshops, we were able to convince the majority to focus on entrepreneurship instead of seeking very scarce employment. The youth in the region are so vibrant. They are taking advantage of the opportunities. As GEP, we will do our utmost to assist them in realising their potential and achieving their economic dreams. We work very well with various Local Economic Development units in the municipalities and believe the partnership will benefit the SMMEs and Cooperatives in the region.
What excites you about the region and its future
Vaal, as commonly known, is the future economic hub of Gauteng. The area has vast land across, and the investors and developers will soon flood the area. Further-more, it is strategically situated next to two national roads, which is N1 and N3. These are the two busiest routes in the country, and the region should take advantage of the opportunities these two presents. In addition, the creative economy has the potential to create more jobs in this area. In the announcement of the District Development Model by the President in his State of the Nation Address, Sedibeng was announced as the pilot for this model, which will definitely assist with the growth of the region economically.
Tell us about the regional team (who, what they do)
The region has a dynamic team. We understand that a team is there to accomplish a particular task, and we are conscious of that. The team is focused on making sure we deliver as guided by the APP. As a team leader, I have absolute confidence in their abilities to deliver on that mandate. I must make mention that the region has recently lost two of its pillars, Ms Johanna Msibi and Ms. Selekeng Mthombeni. May their souls continue to rest in peace. We cannot speak of the success of the region without mentioning their names. We will forever cherish the moments we spent with them. We currently have eight team members in Sedibeng:
- Hopolang Tsoeu – Business Analyst
- Oupa Matjie – Business Analyst
- Alice Mampuru – Business Analyst
- Reuben Kgomo – Cooperative Analyst
- Rebecca Legodi – Information Officer
- Rebecca Gladile – Information Officer
- Thandi Tuge – Receptionist based at Regional Office
- Mpho Makgolane – Receptionist based at the Satellite office
We also have some hidden talents in the team. For instance, Both Oupa and Reuben are soccer players. Rebecca is a good storyteller. Thandi is a good dancer. Hopolang is a good singer. I am a poet/soccer player, and Mpho is good at event planning and a good speaker.