A BRIEF ECONOMIC OVERVIEW OF THE LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES IN NKANGALA DISTRICT

Delmas LM: The centre of economic activity in the municipality is Delmas.  The economy of Delmas LM contributes 3, 2% to the economy of the District.  Between 1996 and 2001 the economy grew at a rate of 2, 9%.   The local economy is relatively diversified.  In terms of output and proportional contribution to the local economy, the largest sector is trade, followed by agriculture and mining sectors. The total output of the agricultural sector experienced significant levels of growth while the mining and minerals sector declined.  The sectors which experienced expansion in terms of output were agriculture, manufacturing, trade, transport and finance. Electricity, construction and community services sectors are the smallest sectors in the local economy.

The employment in the municipality has been decreasing albeit at a slower rate.  However, the comparisons between 1998-2001 and 2001-2004 show that mining, manufacturing and finance have been growing, with agriculture shredding noticeably employment. The rte of loss of number of employment opportunities lost is stabilising.