Limpopo at a glance: Establishing the foundations for implementing ASGISA programme

Paper persented at the National and Africa Gorwth, Development and Investment Centre. Polokwane, Oasis Lodge. 24-27 April 2007

Authors: Kgabo Masehela and Isaac Nkuna

The paper provides the foundations and opportunities for implementing ASGISA programme in Limpopo Province from a statistical point of view. Indices are presented as useful illustrations from education, crime, agricultural and tourism perspectives. Limpopo is one of the poorest provinces in South Africa with Sekhukhune district declared a presidential nodal point. From the total provincial population of 5 635 000, it is estimated that 3 636 434 (63%) people live in poverty. However, the provincial economy has been growing at 4% per annum. This growth rate is largely accounted to mining expansions, tourism and ESKOM developments in Sekhukhune and Waterberg districts. The Premier State of the Province Address (2007) mentioned that investment worth not less than R38 billion in 2007 will be made by ESKOM and Mining houses. With all these in bread basket, we can aptly claim that ‘Limpopo is the future’ province for investment. Predicated on the above, the province is challenged to ask policy related questions and these include;

• To what extent should local communities be initiated, supported and empowered to participate in the mining programmes?
• To what extent should the Mining Houses be compelled to undertake social investment projects such as the building of the state of art Schools, Clinics, Community Libraries, Roads, etc.

Answers to these questions will not only ensure that we accrue the maximum benefits from the mining investments but will certainly ensure that ideals, strategic objectives and dreams set in the various policies such as the Local Economic Development (LED) and Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS) are fully realized. The paper argues that the mining houses should be made to commit to social investment programmes and this can be achieved with some level of political direction. These social investments are critical to the realization of specific millennium development goals of the province. We contest that the playing field has been leveled and the proof of the pudding is in the potential investment projects and the low crime levels which provides useful context in which ASGISA is envisaged to be implemented.

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