About The GDA.
What We Do.
The focus of the GDA is to identify and develop commercially sustainable projects to enable large scale economic diversification and job creation in the Valley. The generation of projects and mobilisation of resources is driven by a thorough and consultative process of identification, formulation, packaging and investment attraction. The GDA’s role is to oversee this project chain, and to drive speedy implementation by facilitating access to municipal decision makers and other enablers. Simultaneously, the staff of the GDA monitor global developments to identify new opportunities that align to the economy of the Valley. Tourism is, for example, a particularly important enabler of job creation.
The GDA will also enables people to leave the Valley in search of more economic opportunities. This includes identifying highly talented youths and assisting with searching for and applying for bursaries and financial aid.
The GDA actively pursues inclusive projects in order to not only create jobs, but also ensure people are included in the gains of investment.
Economic Realities of the Valley.
The Valley’s economy exceeded R15 billion in 2020, with an output growth of nearly four times the national average. This is based primarily on agricultural and agri-processing, which together make up more than 85% of the local economy, with apples, pears and grapes predominantly grown in the valley, primarily destined for export. This has created a high demand for seasonal workers. As a result, there is high unemployment for large portions of the year.
Economic conditions elsewhere in South and southern Africa have also prompted an increased influx of people into the Valley. This is contributing to even greater unemployment and a co-ordinated response is required to ensure the sustainable development for all in the region. The economic development efforts of government have not, to date, been sufficient alone to solve this crisis of employment, given the paucity of resources. Furthermore, municipalities are not sufficiently empowered to drive large scale job creation. Development initiatives are often delayed or suspended, too, as a result of red-tape.
This calls for a co-ordinated response underpinned by improved collaboration between government and the private sector to kickstart sustainable economic development. Hence the GDA.
Our Funding.
Funding for the GDA is raised from a variety of businesses, including players in the agriculture, agri- processing and transportation industries. Through the efforts of Dr Greg Mills of the Brenthurst Foundation, a powerful board made up of local and national experts and businessmen was established under the Chairmanship of former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas. The GDA does not represent any political party nor the exclusive interest of the funders.
Funding the GDA enables it to achieve the operational requirements of a development agency, whilst reducing the overheads of each project. Funds are be allocated to the development of feasibility studies and related promotional material, salaries and creating marketing content to attract further investment to the area.
Funding will not be used for any project investments. Project investments come from private (or public) sector interest in profitable projects. The GDA is not involved in philanthropic projects but can in specific cases assist in those projects which are aligned to its mission.