The Limpopo community gave thumbs up to the establishment of an agro-processing plant to produce tomato paste piloted by Merit Group CEO Hawa Bibi Khan and Musina Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) CEO Lehlogonolo Masoga.
MMSEZ recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Merit Group to accelerate this productive investment plan geared to create more job opportunities in Limpopo through the much anticipated plant in the north side of the MMSEZ.
Paulina Maswanganyi from Musina said: “This project will emancipate us from unemployment and poverty. We are happy that our community will no longer suffer and put money on the table. Our lives will improve by this tomato plant therefore we thank Masoga and his troops for being considerate.”
Silas Ndou from the same area said: “We hope this is not just a pipe dream, however we have confidence that Masoga together with Merit Group CEO Khan will empower our communities. Most ANC leaders aren’t keeping their promises but we are certain that Masoga as the former chairperson of the ANCYL in Limpopo will deliver.”
Thabang Malatjie from Polokwane said this project will not only employ the people from Musina Makhado but the unemployed from the entire province.
MMSEZ CEO Masoga and Merit Group CEO Hawa Bibi Khan signed the MoU which heightened the third annual Limpopo Investment Conference. “We remain committed to ensure that the economy of the province is enhanced. Attracting foreign investment/investors and facilitating partnerships is potent and imperative to address developmental needs and combat poverty. We want to create more employment opportunities in the province with the establishment of an agro-processing plant to produce tomato paste in the north side of the MMSEZ,” said Masoga.
Merit Group CEO Hawa who is a pioneer and leader in alternative investments said she has full confidence that MMSEZ CEO Masoga is equal to the task to progress the economy of the province. “I’m confident that the MoU will improve the economy of the province. MMSEZ CEO Masoga is the right man for the job because his leadership qualities are proficient and intact. MoU indeed is commitment to deliver profound partnership invest in the establishment of an agro-processing plant to produce tomato paste,” said CEO Hawa who is a member of the BRICS Business Forum, BRICS Financial Service Working Group and Council member of the Nelson Mandela University.
Last year, MMSEZ and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) committed to remedying Africa's triple challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment.
The two entities led by MMSEZ CEO Masoga and UNDP resident representative Dr Ayodele Odusola made their intentions clear when they signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at Fusion Boutique Hotel in Polokwane. “The MOU between UNDP and MMSEZ represents a significant milestone in creating a framework for collaboration and the development of an annual work plan that will put into effect activities and resources in our endeavours in clean energy, sustainable economic growth through skills development and enterprise development, amongst others,” said Masoga.
He added that the MoU will provide support to MMSEZ, in technical support and expertise; capacity building and skills development; research and innovation; solutions for sustainable development, knowledge advancement, attracting foreign investment/investors and facilitating partnerships to address developmental needs.
Masoga said that the partnership is anchored by the ambition to accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a collection of 17 interlinked goals designed to be a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all’, the two parties will deliver a portfolio of interventions focusing on advancing the above areas.
According to MMSEZ CEO the key focus areas of this partnership will include the identification and piloting of affordable and clean energy solutions, preventing deforestation and improving knowledge on environmental best practices. “The collaboration will also focus intently on supporting early-stage businesses and skills development within the MMSEZ locality. More strategically, this collaboration will support the development and promotion of MMSEZ initiatives like the upcoming smart city that will leverage on the existing skills, talent, and resources to benefit local people,” said Masoga.
Dr Odusola said: “This collaboration supports the sustainability of the Special Economic Zone for the prosperity of Musina-Makhado local communities. We aim to exercise our convening power to bring in all the key and relevant actors to help advance MMSEZ’s mandate through promoting shared prosperity, environmental sustainability, social advancement, and innovation.”
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