Deputy President Paul Mashatile to Virtually Address Garden Route Economic Coordination Roundtable Dialogue in Knysna on 13 November 2025
Knysna, Western Cape – Deputy President Paul Mashatile is set to virtually address the Garden Route Economic Coordination Roundtable Dialogue on Thursday, 13 November 2025, in a key step towards boosting intergovernmental ties and private sector partnerships in the region. The event, held at a venue in Knysna and organised by The Yona Yethu Initiative in partnership with the Knysna Municipality, comes as a precursor to the Regional Investment Conference planned for early next year. Under the theme “Strengthening Intergovernmental Coordination and Private Sector Collaboration for Inclusive Economic Growth in the Garden Route District,” the dialogue aims to drive sustainable development and attract investments to one of South Africa’s most scenic and economically vital areas.
This invite-only gathering will bring together government leaders, business chambers, institutional partners, and regional stakeholders, with a hybrid format allowing virtual participation for broader inclusivity. As South Africa grapples with economic challenges, such forums are crucial for fostering collaboration and unlocking opportunities in tourism, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Objectives and Focus of the Roundtable Dialogue
The roundtable is designed to advance key priorities for the Garden Route District, emphasising inclusive growth through stronger coordination between government levels and the private sector. Discussions will cover strategies to enhance regional investment, improve service delivery, and address barriers to economic participation, particularly for small businesses and underserved communities.
The Presidency highlighted that the dialogue represents a significant milestone in promoting partnerships that can lead to job creation and sustainable development. By bringing diverse voices together, it seeks to identify actionable steps for the upcoming Regional Investment Conference, which will further explore funding and project opportunities.
The hybrid setup ensures that interested organisations, businesses, and stakeholders who cannot attend in person can join virtually, making the event more accessible and encouraging wider input on the future of the Garden Route economy.
The Yona Yethu Initiative and Knysna Municipality Partnership
The Yona Yethu Initiative, a community-driven organisation focused on economic empowerment and development, has teamed up with the Knysna Municipality to host this high-level engagement. This collaboration underscores the importance of local involvement in national economic strategies, aiming to align regional needs with broader government goals.
Knysna, known for its stunning landscapes and tourism appeal, stands to benefit greatly from enhanced investments. The dialogue will explore ways to leverage the area’s natural assets for growth in sectors like eco-tourism, renewable energy, and agribusiness, while addressing challenges such as unemployment and infrastructure gaps.
Broader Economic Context in the Garden Route
The Garden Route District, encompassing areas like Knysna, George, and Mossel Bay, is a economic hub for the Western Cape, contributing significantly to tourism and agriculture. However, it faces hurdles like water scarcity, high youth unemployment, and the need for better transport links. The roundtable aims to tackle these by fostering public-private partnerships that can drive inclusive growth.
South Africa’s economy has shown signs of recovery, with recent data indicating improved investor confidence. Events like this build on that momentum, positioning the Garden Route as an attractive destination for both domestic and international funding.
Public Participation and Registration
To promote inclusivity, the event encourages virtual attendance for all interested parties. Organisations, businesses, and development stakeholders are urged to register online to join the discussions and contribute ideas. This open approach ensures diverse perspectives shape the outcomes, aligning with the government’s commitment to collaborative governance.
For more details on registration and the agenda, interested parties can visit the official channels of The Yona Yethu Initiative or the Knysna Municipality.

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