Mangaung Metro mayor announces investment summit to boost development
Mangaung Metro mayor announces investment summit to boost development! Gregory Nthatisi, the Executive Mayor of the Mangaung Metro in the Free State, has announced that the city will host an investment summit in February 2025 to attract investors and showcase the metro’s potential to the world.
The event is part of the metro’s ongoing efforts to stimulate development and economic growth in the region.
Speaking at the Consulate General of China in Johannesburg’s Spring Festival, Nthatisi shared details about the summit and highlighted the opportunities that Mangaung offers to potential investors.
Summit Details and Objectives
The investment summit, scheduled for February 19 and 20, will serve as a platform to present Mangaung’s untapped potential across various sectors.
“We are going to showcase what the city can provide and what investors can bring to the city. We are kind of a rural metro with little development, and we are inviting people to see this raw material kind of metro that can be of good use to their investment,” Nthatisi explained.
The summit aims to attract investors interested in agriculture, infrastructure, residential development, and property, sectors that the mayor believes hold significant promise for growth in Mangaung.
Opportunities for Investors
Nthatisi emphasized that Mangaung is open to both local and international investors and is willing to provide incentives to make the city an attractive destination for development.
“We are calling for expressions of interest from those who would engage in what we call solicited development. We are closely examining remedial measures and incentives for those who come to invest,” he added.
The mayor described the event as a “meeting of minds around investment,” aiming to forge partnerships that will ultimately create employment opportunities and boost the local economy.
Strengthening Ties with China
The Mangaung Metro has also been working to strengthen its relationship with the Republic of China, leveraging South Africa’s diplomatic and economic ties with the nation through BRICS.
Nthatisi praised the efforts of Consul-General Pan Qingjiang of the Chinese Consulate in Johannesburg, with whom the metro has established a productive partnership.
“China’s relationship with South Africa through BRICS and diplomatic relations, and our interaction with the Consul General, who is so handy and effective, has been instrumental. We invited all potential investors from China to sit down with us and explore opportunities,” Nthatisi said.
The mayor emphasized that Mangaung is open to Chinese investment, particularly in areas that require significant development, and encouraged investors to seize the opportunities available in the metro.
Broader Context of the Investment Drive
The upcoming investment summit aligns with Mangaung’s vision to transform itself into a thriving economic hub. As a rural metro with relatively limited development, Mangaung offers investors a chance to contribute to and benefit from its growth.
Nthatisi explained that the metro’s priority is to create jobs for its residents and foster sustainable economic development. By attracting investments in key sectors, the city aims to address its development challenges and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
Celebrating the Chinese Spring Festival
Nthatisi made the announcement while attending the Chinese Spring Festival celebration in Johannesburg, an event that underscores the cultural and economic ties between South Africa and China.
The Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, is a significant traditional celebration in China and among Chinese communities worldwide. The event in Johannesburg brought together government officials, members of academia, business representatives, and diplomats to celebrate the occasion and strengthen bilateral relationships.
Looking Ahead
The Mangaung Metro investment summit represents a critical step in the city’s efforts to attract development and improve its economic prospects. By showcasing the metro’s potential and fostering relationships with global investors, Nthatisi hopes to position Mangaung as a viable destination for transformative projects.
With preparations for the summit underway, the metro is setting its sights on becoming a beacon of growth and opportunity in the Free State and beyond. As partnerships and investments materialize, the city stands to benefit from increased employment, improved infrastructure, and a stronger local economy.
