Wesgro’s new CEO

The Western Cape Finance, Economic Development, and Tourism department have welcomed the appointment of Wrenelle Stander as the new Chief Executive Officer of Wesgro, the Western Cape Government’s dedicated investment, trade and tourism agency. Ms Stander has served in both the public and private sector in the aviation industry and brings with her a wealth of experience that the Western Cape will benefit from.

MPP Deidré Baartman says: “The importance of the agency is to attract investment, support the local trade, tourism and hospitality sectors and help grow our local economy. This function cannot be overstated, especially as we seek to recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic. The smooth transition in leadership into the capable hand of Ms Stander will ensure that the good work of Wesgro continues. We look forward to working with the new CEO and we’re excited to see what new innovative measures she will bring to the table.

We also thank Tim Harris for the six years that he has led Wesgro, bringing new ideas and much hard work which has helped to make the Western Cape the tourism and agri-export capital of the country.

Wesgro’s track record is exemplary and speaks to the value it adds to our provincial economy. Through its work to secure flights to the Western Cape, the Cape Town International Terminal has seen a 21% passenger recovery rate for the first three weeks of August compared to last year and has reached the 50% recovery mark after international travel was reinstated in October 2020. This year the agency has secured a record breaking R5 billion real estate deal, a R200 million export investment which will collectively result in more than 4 000 direct jobs. In the current economic conditions, we have seen that in the last quarter alone, 53 000 people lost their jobs in the Western Cape due to the lockdown regulations and slow recovery of the South African economy.

The work of Wesgro continues to be an important tool in the Western Cape Government’s arsenal to protect the livelihoods of our residents.”

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