20 years is a long time. To ensure that the GDS keeps relevant, constant interrogation and assessment is required. The production of Growth Development Strategy 2 is a result of precisely such assessment. The process of assessing this strategy commenced with a District Wide Lekgotla of the municipalities that was held in September 2011. This Lekgotla considered the vision, strategy and progress of GDS 1 from 2007. It also considered the changes in context and policy, nationally and globally, that have affected the Sedibeng region and perhaps requires amendments to its long term strategy.

The work done at the District Wide Lekgotla was in preparation for a gathering of the stakeholders of Sedibeng. This gathering took the form of a Stakeholder Summit held on 30 November and 1 December 2011. The Summit assessed the journey from 2006, reviewed progress, considered obstacles and challenges, and reaffirmed or changed what it believed required adjustment in the GDS 2. This document is a reflection of the outcomes of that Summit – both direct inputs made there – and further research that the Summit believed need to be considered.

We are going to take this document, which we call Growth and Development Strategy 2 (GDS2) to our respective Councils for adoption and then back to our communities and key stakeholders for comment and ultimately ratification. After that the District and its municipalities will be able to develop a set of key implementable projects and programmes to both create the enabling environment for growth and development, as well as deliver key initiatives to accelerate growth and development in certain sectors and areas.

We are hoping and trusting that our partners will continue to co-operate with us so that we have joint custodianship of the implementation agenda. We must emerge from this phase not just with a common plan, but also with a strong recognition of a common destiny.

In this long term vision, we must not be afraid to dream. We must dream of a region that first and foremost has employment opportunities for every one of its citizens.We must dream of a Sedibeng, where every resident enjoys the basic services and other opportunities available within a democratic and caring nation such as our own. We must dream of a region where children enjoy security, access to Early Childhood Development (ECD), a primary and secondary school, with quality education located close by, and for those who have the ability, access to tertiary education. We must dream of a Sedibeng where all of us can relax along the banks of the mighty Vaal River on weekends, perhaps boating or fishing.

We must dream of a vibrant economy that competes with the rest of the country and the international community. We must dream that the future leaders of government, science and technology, business and industry, that the stars of sport and music, cinema and stage will come from Sebokeng or Evaton, from Meyerton or Heidelberg, from Roshnee and Rustervaal. We must dream of a globally competitive and thriving Vaal Metropolitan River City, which has an urban centre derived from the natural merger of Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark and Sharpeville. An urban centre that is unique in having office parks overlooking the Vaal River, with recreation and leisure facilities and activities on the waterfront.

At the heart of what this strategy has to do, is to place confronting inequality, poverty and joblessness at the centre of our discussions. The poor cannot remain marginalised and on the periphery of all that is good in Sedibeng. It must mean bread on the table for a family in Evaton, it must mean clothes on the back of a child in Devon and it must mean shelter for a woman in Sicielo.

We in government remain excited about our future, especially within the context of building Gauteng as a Global City Region. We invite you to share our optimism.

The realization of 2030 requires that we all hold firmly to the following principles and commitments:

• Sedibeng in 2030 has eradicated poverty and nobody in the region goes to bed cold or hungry at night. Access to basic and essential services is a reality for all. All forms of income, including social grants are readily accessible. People have the relevant skills to thrive within the region. Employment and business opportunities are growing and constant. The poverty trap has been broken

• Sedibeng in 2030 has an economy that is diverse, robust and growing. Percentage growth outstrips the national average. Examples abound of how growth translates directly into broad-based black economic empowerment, ensuring that the benefits of growth are shared. The SMME sector continues to grow and flourish, making Sedibeng a very attractive destination for foreign and domestic direct investment. Low unemployment figures are attracting attention as a success story, nationally and internationally.

• Sedibeng in 2030 looks aesthetically wonderful. Human settlements of mixed typology have grown into delightful neighbourhoods where residents, businesses, schools and community programmes interweave and interact in harmony.

• In 2030 it is easy and safe to move around Sedibeng. It's a fun place to be. From home to work, to shop, a fun night out on the river and back home again is available to everyone. This is 2030.

• In 2030 Sedibeng remains a beacon and shining example of democracy and good governance. Our government is known to be honest; our people are engaged and watchful. It is a region progressively exercising its constitutional rights and enjoying the full dignity of freedom.

• The 2030 vision is a vision that builds on the region's competitive advantages and integrates these areas into the wider urban and regional economies. It is a vision that understands the importance of engaging the private sector, the engine room of job creation, in joint local economic development initiatives, letting them take on the leadership, decision-making and investment choices, not out of charity, but because they make good sense for business – and for Sedibeng.

Our goal is to grow and improve Sedibeng, but not to change what provides Sedibeng with its unique story. The history stays. The economic legacy stays. The river stays. But this vision embraces the new. We are ready to write new history, build new economies and maximize the river city potential. We want to keep intact the elements that have attracted people to come here or to stay here, and we want to attract more talented new comers who will contribute to making our place a beacon of hope and success.

We want Sedibeng to…

• Be a city of sustainable development, economic vitality, and lifelong learning
• Be a city whose public services and facilities work to satisfy the needs of our citizens
• Be a city of broad appeal for people of all ages and cultural backgrounds
• Be a city of physical beauty with great appeal
• Be a city of strong neighbourhoods and communities
• Be a city where it is easy to move around
• Be a city with a high quality living environment
• Be a river city where locals and tourist love to meet