The Deputy President of South Africa, Mr Paul Mashatile, conducted a walkabout of the Westown Development Project in Shongweni as part of the District Development Model (DDM) oversight in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality focused on Catalytic Projects.
The Deputy President was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers, including Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Ms Noxolo Kiviet, the Premier of KwaZulu Natal, Ms Nomusa Dube-Ncube, Provincial Executive Council Members, Mayors, and Senior Government Officials
The Westown Development Project is aimed at transforming the local spatial footprint of KwaZulu-Natal and is a collaboration between the government and social partners designed to address the skills shortage in critical sectors of the economy.
With a valuation of R30 billion, this investment project aims at creating over 30,000 jobs.
The project represents a significant commitment to sustainable development and is an essential step for catalysing economic growth in the region.
The Deputy President also visited the Cedara Agricultural College in Pietermaritzburg where he was appraised on activities and programmes taking place in the Agricultural Research Development and Training Institutes of the KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
An exhibition on the site included stalls showcasing laboratory services offered to colleges and youth, cannabis plants, seeds, seedlings, mushroom production, animal feed and livestock breeding.