Nkomazi Local Municipality 20 - Co-operative Governance and ...

Nkomazi. In 2007 the total unemployment rate of Nkomazi was approximately 34% which can be attributed to the 26% and 43% ofmales and females respectively. This decreasing trend in unemployment could be attributed to the following: Growth of the informal sector in the trade sector The possible outmigration As well as programmes favourable to females (women empowerment)It can thus be deduced that 34% of the 71% poverty rate can be attributed to unemployment. Thus by putting in place strategies thatwill fight unemployment Nkomazi would have halved the fight against poverty, thereby coinciding with the national targets of halvingpoverty by 2014. Implication brought by this deduction is that the unemployed population is an untapped resource in the fight againstpoverty, thus this should be the basis of Nkomazi’s poverty strategy thereby promoting self-employment and small businessdevelopment.14.2. ECONOMIC ACTIVITIESThe following economic opportunities and constraints identified within Nkomazi by SectorTable 29_ Economic opportunitiesAgriculture Mining Tourism, Arts andCulture-Sugar cane productionand molasses- Poultry farming-Biodiesel prod-Game farming-Mawewe-Mahushe-Private Game-Ultra boards Production-Coal mining atMangweni-Salt mining-Explore coal, goal and-platinum mining-Eco-tourism-Accommodationfacilities-Art and craftmanufacturing-Eco-walks alongthe mountains-Beneficiation fromKruger NationalPart-Tour operationsOtheropportunities-Development ofshopping malls-Tonga Centre-Junction of Mbuziniroad, Mbangwaneroad, road to Tongaand the road toSteenbokSMME Development-Salt production andquarrying-Retail and wholesaling-Transportation of goods andpeople (explore new routes)-Bar gas and coal waste-Agro-processing-Cultural activities-Skills and entrepreneurshipdevelopment-Emergency, safety andsecurity.14.3. Constraints to Economic Development within NkomaziAgricultureUncoordinated approach to farmer development and support by the district, local Municipality and sector supportdepartmentsUnresolved land claims and land ownership wranglingLack of entrepreneurial, farming and marketing skills, especially among resettled farmers (to include mentorship)Lack of capital funding for machinery and stockUnwillingness by the youth to engage in agricultural activitiesInadequate spatial framework for the municipalityMiningUnresolved land claims and land ownership wranglingLack of capital funding for equipmentLack of entrepreneurial and mining knowledge, especially among the previously disadvantagedInadequate spatial framework for the municipalityNKLM Integrated Development Plan 2012_2013 81