MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Given the Covid-19 challenges faced in the local economy, a joint effort in addressing hurdles is regarded as the best way forward.

As part of this effort, the Mossel Bay Municipality is reviewing its Local Economic Development (LED) Strategy. The tried and trusted Participatory Assessment of Competitive Advantage (PACA) Process is used to achieve this, according to the municipality.

This participatory process will include sectors critical to the local economy: tourism; ocean economy; agriculture; manufacturing; trade and finance; transport; construction; mining; oil and gas; electricity; and government services.

The PACA will facilitate data collection from the mentioned parties during the next five months. The process will start with a desktop study followed by intensive workshops, both virtual and in person.

The municipality's PACA team includes Carel Venter (director, Planning and Economic Development) and members of staff of the Mossel Bay Municipality, Bjorn October (assistant SMME officer), Sharion Louw (Local Economic Development officer) Sandy Esau (SMME officer), and Gwynne Harding (manager, Economic Development and Tourism).

Aneli Gerber (chief operating officer, Tourism) and her team will also be included. Ultimately, upon completion of the PACA process, ways to accelerate economic development within the municipal area will be established.

This includes a so-called Economic War Room using the Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) methodology to facilitate problem solving. By using this methodology, those not fully leveraging their economic potential and stagnating somewhat can constructively address and resolve complex problems.

Businesses and members of the public may contact Siphiwo Landzela (044 606 500, slandzela@mosselbay.gov.za) to contribute to the PACA process.

'We bring you the latest Mossel Bay, Garden Route news'