Author: Staff Writer
The two-day 2025/26 Strategic Planning Session successfully concluded on the 14th of February 2025, following a series of high-level presentations and deliberations by key stakeholders. The session was officially opened by the Board Chairperson, Mr. L. Jack, who reflected on the past year and commended ASPIRE’s CEO, Mr. A. Xabadiya, and his executive team for their dedication and commitment to the agency’s growth and stability.
In his address, Mr. Jack also touched on the evolving geopolitical landscape, particularly the current stance of the United States towards South Africa. He emphasized the importance of strategic thinking in defining South Africa’s path forward, urging ASPIRE and the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) to collaborate with institutions of higher learning to leverage expert insights and inputs.
The session was further honored by the presence of the Executive Mayor of ADM, Cllr. A. Ntsangani, who underscored the need for ASPIRE to prioritize projects with catalytic, game-changing, and sustainable impacts.
The session brought together various stakeholders who shared insights on project implementation strategies and explored potential areas of collaboration with ASPIRE. Participants included:
In his remarks, ASPIRE’s CEO, Mr. A. Xabadiya, reiterated the importance of fostering strong partnerships with the private sector. He emphasized the agency’s commitment to driving economic development in the district through targeted initiatives in:
The session provided a platform for constructive discussions, reinforcing ASPIRE’s role in driving sustainable development within the district. As the agency moves forward, these strategic insights and partnerships will serve as a foundation for impactful and transformative initiatives.