Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Setswana by Nelio Nhacuangue
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has formally tabled a motion in the Rustenburg Local Municipality Council, calling for targeted municipal rates rebates for small businesses that are creating and sustaining jobs. (See letter here.)
This motion comes at a time when the North West Province is facing a staggering unemployment crisis, with the latest figures from Statistics South Africa showing an official unemployment rate of 40.4%, and an expanded rate of 56%. Rustenburg is a key contributor to these figures, with job losses particularly severe in sectors affected by economic stagnation.
Small businesses are vital to our local economy—they create jobs, empower communities, and drive development. Yet, many are being choked by high operating costs and steep municipal rates. This motion seeks to change that.
If adopted, the motion will:
- Open debate on the role of the municipality in supporting job creation through small business development.
- Direct the administration to investigate a rates rebate policy for small businesses that can prove job creation impact.
- Require a feasibility report within 60 days, setting out how this can be implemented responsibly.
- Integrate this support into Rustenburg’s Local Economic Development (LED) strategy.
The DA believes that this is a practical step toward reviving Rustenburg’s economy and reducing unemployment through sustainable partnerships with local entrepreneurs.
We call on all councillors, regardless of political affiliation, to support this motion in the interest of economic growth and job creation for our people.