Speaker, the ANC views the opening of a R7,5 million retail distribution centre, the Walk-in-25 Aganang Distribution Centre, in Ga Moletjie village near Polokwane, as a step in the right direction as this centre is expected to employ more than 350 people.
Local manufacturers and producers of agricultural products, such as vegetables, beef, milk, eggs and poultry, stand to benefit from this centre as the market for their products will be within easy reach. Local co- operatives and small businesses also stand to benefit as a result of the increase in local production and consumption, and thus an increase in their profitability and the sustainability of their businesses.
The ANC strongly believes that the opening of this centre will drastically change the lives of the communities around the Aganang Local Municipality for the better, as well as stimulate their economic potential through enterprise development and innovatively develop more small businesses so that they can assist in the eradication of poverty and bettering the lives of the people through job creation. I thank you. [Applause.]