Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism
Hon Masipa
With regard to economic development in the Central Karoo:
- (a) What specific initiatives are currently in place to support (i) tourism, (ii) job creation and (iii) economic growth in the Central Karoo region and (b) what are the measurable outcomes of these initiatives;
- (a) how many jobs have been created as the direct result of these initiatives since 2019 and (b) how does this compare to the target set for the year;
- (a) what mechanisms are in place to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of these initiatives and (b) how often are these evaluations conducted?
- (a) What specific initiatives are currently in place to support (i) tourism, (ii) job creation and (iii) economic growth in the Central Karoo region and
- Tourism:
Support is available to municipalities, entrepreneurs, and local tourism organizations and associations through the Tourism Growth Fund, which funds tourism infrastructure and product development. A previous beneficiary was the Lord Milner Hotel in Matjiesfontein, which completed upgrades in 2021. Additionally, in 2024, the Department conducted risk reduction training for tourism enterprises in Beaufort West and Prince Albert, reaching 32 participants.
- Job Creation & (iii) Economic Growth:
A specific initiative supported in the enterprise development area, is the Laingsburg New Business Park. The department funded the construction and establishment of the trading facility that services both existing and new emerging entrepreneurs. The seventy-two (72) square meter building consists of four (4) units that accommodate businesses in the retail sector. The municipality provides the required electricity and water services. The business park was completed in February 2021 and activated in March 2021.
(b) what are the measurable outcomes of these initiatives;
Laingsburg New Business Park: six (6) jobs were created; and four (4) businesses assisted.
(2)(a) how many jobs have been created as the direct result of these initiatives since 2019 and (b) how does this compare to the target set for the year;
Laingsburg New Business Park: six (6) jobs were created.
(3) (a) what mechanisms are in place to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of these initiatives and (b) how often are these evaluations conducted?
Laingsburg New Business Park: Monitoring and evaluation occurred through the project lifespan including departmental, municipal progress and site visit reports. The same monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are also used for projects funded by the Tourism Growth Fund.
