Economic Development Annual Report

Annual Report 2023/2024 Mpumalanga: Department of Economic Development and Tourism - Vote 6

2. OVERVIEW OF DEPARTMENTAL PERFORMANCE 2.1 Service Delivery Environment The primary focus of the Department during the reporting cycle was the creation of a better life for all the residents of the Province. This is in keeping with the Department’s mandate of stimulating economic growth and development towards creating sustainable and decent employment, economic transformation and alleviation of poverty. The ability of the Provincial economy to generate growth and support employment creation was, however, negatively affected by a number of structural constraints during the reporting period. Key, amongst these, were the persistent high levels of unemployment, poverty and inequality mainly among the previously disadvantaged people. These were further compounded by persistent factors such as the declining consumer confidence, distressed SMMEs and cooperatives, inflationary pressure, rising interest rates, constrained labour markets and geopolitical tensions. Despite these challenges, the Department provided the much-needed services through its Public Entities in the main, facilitation and coordination of government priority for economic transformation and job creation. The key services rendered included Integrated Economic Development; Trade and Sector Development; Business Regulation and Governance; Economic Policy; Tourism Planning and Transformation; as well as Administration. The details on the manner in which the approved Annual Performance Plan was executed are recorded in other parts of the Report. A highlight of key successes includes the provision of economic policy direction and research on the Provincial economy in order to inform economic planning and execution in government and private institutions. A number of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), as well as co-operatives, have benefited from a variety of support provided, including market access, machinery and other tools of trade. In addition, the Department also conducted education and awareness campaigns which benefitted quite a number of consumers, including providing consumers with recourse measures on unfair business practices.

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