Operation Hlasela, through its power, has enabled government to interact with the people of the Free State.
Through this it has been realized that the needs of the people differ from region to region, stretching from Fezile Dabi in the north to Xhariep in the south.
The Government is now at a point where it has products, services and programmes that will unleash the economic potential of people of the Free State.
During tabling of 2013/14 budget speech, the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mosebenzi Zwane said “access to markets remain high in the list of challenges inhibiting growth in the co-operatives sector.
Enterprise Development and Cooperatives have been identified by the Free State Provincial Government as two most important service delivery vehicles to address historical imbalances in South African and to mitigate against unemployment and poverty, while creating jobs, self employment and unlocking the economy.
This, it has been established, will give impetus efforts towards addressing the needs of the rural economy.
Free State Provincial Government has adopted a move to use government purchasing power by ring fencing all products that can be supplied by cooperatives.
Items identified include linen, uniforms, maintenance, security, cleaning, catering, garden services, protective clothing and laundry services.
Departments have been instructed to prioritize these cooperatives for procurement of goods and services.
All the departments have been instructed to prioritize these co-operatives for procurement of goods and services”.
Issued by:
K Tau.
