Mashatile believes that South Africa has the potential to become one of the top three business process outsourcing destinations in the world. Gauteng can be a major beneficiary of this, although there will be substantial competition from the Western Cape.
"Tourism - another growth area - is the new gold," says Mashatile. Investment will see a rise from 90 to 278 major tourist attractions in the province. Infrastructure development by Government has already begun on the Cradle of Humankind and Maropeng, the Kliptown development, and Dinokeng Game Reserve (a Gauteng location that will provide stop-over tourists with the opportunity to see the Big Five without having to travel outside the borders of the province).
Other focus areas for economic growth and job creation relate to a jewellery manufacturing project linked to the Johannesburg International Airport Industrial Development Zone, and the development of Film City, which is geared to attract film-makers and producers to Gauteng.
While Government's plans are impressive, delivery remains a challenge, and Mashatile recognises the need to strengthen partnerships between Government and private enterprise.
