Andile Moshoeshoe
THE Harry Gwala District Municipality has entered into a strategic partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation in a bold move to transform the district into a thriving centre of scientific innovation, agricultural advancement, youth empowerment and sustainable economic development.
The collaboration is championed by the minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, who also serves as the political champion for the Harry Gwala district under the District Development Model (DDM).
Nzimande reaffirmed his commitment during his visit to the district on Wednesday, August 5, when he met with political leaders and senior municipal officials to review developmental challenges and accelerate service delivery through the DDM.
The DDM was designed to strengthen cooperation between national, provincial, district and local government, ensuring that development is coordinated, resources are effectively aligned and pressing community challenges are addressed with greater urgency.
Among the key development initiatives highlighted by the minister was the proposed Umzimkhulu Hydropower Project, an innovative renewable energy initiative aimed at generating electricity from water resources.
Conceived during South Africa’s prolonged load-shedding crisis, the project is envisioned as a strategic backup energy source that will enhance electricity security for the rapidly expanding town of Umzimkhulu, one of the district’s fastest-growing economic centres.
Addressing stakeholders at the Harry Gwala District municipal council chamber, Nzimande emphasised that the partnership was not intended to promote departmental projects for their own sake, but rather to create a collaborative platform that would accelerate development and position Harry Gwala as a leading district in science, technology and innovation.
“Our vision is to establish science forums that will work hand-in-hand with local economic development, forestry and agriculture because this district possesses enormous agricultural potential,” said Nzimande.
He praised the Harry Gwala District Municipality for its high standard of governance and project implementation, noting that many of its developmental initiatives deserve greater support and investment.
Harry Gwala District executive mayor Zamo Nxumalo welcomed the minister’s commitment, describing the partnership as a significant milestone in unlocking the district’s developmental potential. Nxumalo further highlighted the urgent need to improve telecommunications infrastructure, noting that poor network connectivity remains a major obstacle to exposing young people to opportunities in science, technology, innovation and the broader digital economy.
He said improving digital connectivity would not only bridge the technological divide but also empower the district’s youth to compete in an increasingly knowledge-driven world while opening new pathways for education, innovation and economic participation. The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) also gave its support to the initiative.
