The 2017 edition of Western Cape Business is the 10th issue of this highly successful publication that, since its launch in 2005, has established itself as the premier business and investment guide to the Western Cape province.
The Western Cape has numerous promising investment and business opportunities and this issue includes contributions from Alan Winde (Minister of Economic Opportunities for the Western Cape Government), interviews with Ryan Ravens (CEO of Accelerate Cape Town), Arifa Parkar (Western Cape Business Opportunities Forum CEO), Wesgro CEO Tim Harris and Lance Greyling (Invest Cape Town) as well as contributions from various business leaders. In addition, you will also find comprehensive features on all the key sectors in the Western Cape.
BGCMA Situated in the
BGCMA Situated in the southwestern corner of South Africa, the Breede-Gouritz Catchment Management Agency (BGCMA) plays a pivotal role in protecting, developing, conserving, managing and controlling water resources. Formerly known as the Breede- Overberg Catchment Management Agency, the Gouritz region was recently incorporated within the mandate. The merger came after the former Minister of Water Affairs, Edna Molelwa, approved the expansion of the boundary and area of operation of Breede-Overberg CMA in terms of Section 78(4) of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998). The area of operation of the Breede-Gouritz Catchment Management Agency includes the previous Breede-Overberg Water Management Area and the Gouritz Catchment. “The strategic focus of the agency incorporates water resource planning, water use management, institutional development, water resource protection and water allocation reform,” says CEO Phakamani Buthelezi. “The vision of the BGCMA, ‘quality water for all, forever’, was developed around the question of how the BGCMA can make a positive contribution and engender meaningful change within a broader social context.” The main elements of the vision are inclusion and participation of all stakeholders, mediation between competing environmental and human priorities, ensuring availability of good quality water and a responsibility to assist in eradicating poverty. Buthelezi explains that the BGCMA works closely with local governments on water management and water-related services to ensure synergy between the priorities of the Catchment Management Agency and the local and district municipalities. “The BGCMA is the operating arm of the DWS and its aim is to bring water resource services in an efficient manner to the inhabitants of the Breede-Gouritz Water Management Area,” explains Buthelezi. “Furthermore, the BGCMA works closely with other government departments to ensure compliance in all water use practices. The BGCMA provides comments on rezoning and consolidations to relevant municipalities, and on environmental impact studies and basic assessment reports in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Affairs.” The BGCMA is currently busy with the validation and verification process where all water users will be evaluated for legal compliance. This process will assist with the management of water allocations in the Breede-Gouritz Water Management Area (WMA). WESTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2017 98
Our Vision is “Quality water for all, forever” Our Mission is to manage our water resources responsibly through stakeholder engagement and to devolve decision making to the lowest level for the benefi t of all water users in the Breede-Gouritz area. Breede-Gouritz CMA is responsible for: • Water Resource Planning • Water Allocation Reform • Water Use Management • Institutional Management • Resource Protection For more information, contact us on: Breede-Gouritz CMA (BGCMA) 51 Baring Street Worcester, 6850 101 York Street (New Offi ce) George, 6529 Breede-Gouritz CMA Private Bag X 3055 Worcester, 6849 Ms Malehlohonolo Mlabateki - Public Relations and Marketing Offi cer Tel: (023) 346 8000 Fax: (023) 347 2012 E-mail: mmlabateki@breedegouritzcma.co.za www.breedegouritzcma.co.za
