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The Regional Investment Conference (RIC) is a strategic initiative aligned with the National Development Plan and the Western Cape Government's Growth for Jobs Strategy, ensuring its relevance, sustainability, and long-term impact. Held annually, RIC serves as a premier platform to attract targeted investments into the Garden Route, with a primary focus on securing funding for the transformative iThuba Development Project in Knysn. This initiative directly addresses critical socio-economic challenges, including affordable housing, job creation, skills development, and economic empowerment.Strategic Vision & Impact
Conceived by Nathi Mabukane through the Yona-Yethu Initiative, and Nathi and Associates Enterprise , 100% Black owned youth-driven non-profit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable economic growth and promotes black economic participation. RIC has evolved into a powerful collaboration between the private sector and government. This strategic partnership drives key objectives:
Economic sustainability through targeted investments
Job creation and skills development for youth, women and people with disabilities.
Financial inclusion, support for Black-empowered businesses, and ensuring Black economic participation
Addressing the shortage of affordable housing for middle-income families
Positioning Knysna and the Garden Route as a prime investment and tourism destination
Since its inception, RIC has garnered strong municipal and community support, with its concept fully endorsed by all three spheres of government under the District Development Framework.
Success of RIC 2024
The 2024 edition of RIC, held in November, successfully attracted local, national, and international investors, reinforcing Knysna and the Garden Route as a key investment hub. The event featured an esteemed lineup of government representatives, investors, and financial institutions, including:
Government Representatives:
His Excellency Deputy President: Mr. Paulus Mashatile
Minister of Water and Sanitation: Min. Pamela Majodina
Deputy Minister of Finance: Min. Ashor Sarupen
Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training: Dr. Mimmy Gondwe
Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment: Min. Narend Singh
Garden Route District Executive Mayor: Cllr. Andrew Steobel
Knysna Executive Mayor: Cllr. Aubrey Tsengwa
Knysna Deputy Mayor: Cllr. Alberto Marbi
Investors & Financial Institutions:
ServiceSETA: Mr. Stephen De Vries, AHi: Dr. Willie Cilliers, South Cape College: Dr. Tercia Terblanche, SALGA: Mr. Sagwata Manyika, SA Tourism: Ms. Mashoto Mokgethi, Wesgro: Mr. Zwai Nomandla and Transnet Property: Mr. Mohamed Gardee
International Delegates:
Consul General of France: Ms. Sophie Bel
eSwatini High Commission: Ms. Lindiwe Mndebele
The Road Ahead
Building on the success of RIC 2024, the initiative aims to strengthen investor confidence, expand economic opportunities, and accelerate the development of key projects such as iThuba Development Project. With a continued focus on strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, and investment attraction, RIC is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the economic future of Knysna and the greater Garden Route District.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Garden Route, South Africa, Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa
