DA councillor cites low Joburg investor confidence as reason for semigration
The DA’s caucus leader in the Johannesburg city council Belinda Echeozonjoku on Wednesday cited low investor confidence as the reason why residents are moving to Cape Town.
Echeozonjoku made the remarks during the debate on the State of the City Address.
"I can tell you, Mr Mayor, it is not the duty of the government to create jobs but it is the government's duty to create an environment for businesses to thrive so they can create jobs.
"Investor confidence in the city is at an all-time low, people are leaving for Cape Town in their numbers. Cape Town is a DA-run municipality."
The debate was later cut short when Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda fell ill and had to be rushed to a health facility.
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During his maiden State of the City Address on Tuesday, Gwamanda said solving unemployment would remain a top priority.
He told the council that the city would provide more support to Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and entrepreneurs.
"SMMEs and entrepreneurs are crucial in absorbing labour and developing, growing, and improving the health of the urban economy,” Gwamanda said.
“We have identified factors that hinder SMMEs and entrepreneurs access to markets, sustainable livelihoods, and expansion. As such, we are determined to create an enabling environment for SMMEs and entrepreneurs to thrive. By doing so, the city will be contributing to increased employment opportunities, and in particular, job creation for the youth."
