Danie is one of the founding members of the Vaal (LED) Warriors, a community-based group formed to rejuvenate the economy of the Vanderbijlpark, as well as the project coordinator of AppLED, a research initiative within the Bhive Enterprise Development Centre. These two groupings have joined forces with the Sharpeville community and business organisations to formulate and carry out a local economic development plan for Sharpeville, the well-known township situated between Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging.
All honours students in economics on the campus are taking part in this pilot project as part of their research module. Danie says Sharpeville was chosen because of the township’s iconic international cultural and historical status, its strategic position in the Vanderbijlpark region and its dynamic and vibrant socio-economic environment.
Eight-step plan for development
The honour students will finalise the proposed development plan for Sharpeville, with support from their economics lecturers, community leaders and the various business chambers and local government partners. The overall development plan consists of eight subplans to develop the following:
- Main street precinct
- Tourism and marketing
- Local arts and crafts
- Dhlomo Dam
- Service delivery and community facility
- Urban agriculture
- Small business and job creation
- Industry and manufacturing
“The overall vision of the development plan is to revitalise Sharpeville, with a focus on socio-economic upliftment and development. Sharpeville is an internationally recognised city and has a marketable brand,” explains Danie.
Progress so far
During the first semester, the students identified the eight subplans and worked on an implementation plan that will be put into action in the second semester.
To be known as the City of Sharpeville 2020 Development Plan, it will be presented and workshopped with all stakeholders including government, business organisation and local communities at the end of July.
For more information please contact Danie at daniel.meyer@nwu.ac.za.
Prof Danie Meyer.
