By Thabo Mosia
Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba has delivered a stern ultimatum to her Executive Council, threatening to reshuffle or dismiss any Member of the Executive Council (MEC) who fails to create jobs in the key sectors of agriculture, mining, and tourism. Speaking at a press conference following the signing of performance agreements with her MECs, Premier Ramathuba made it clear that job creation is a top priority for her administration. She emphasised that each MEC would be held accountable for the growth and development of their respective departments, with performance evaluations to be conducted every quarter.
This bold move underscores Ramathuba’s determination to address the high unemployment rates in Limpopo, a province rich in natural resources and tourism potential but plagued by economic challenges. Her no-nonsense approach sends a message that the time for complacency is over, and concrete action is required to revitalise the province’s economy.
Focus on Agriculture, Mining, and Tourism:
Premier Ramathuba has identified agriculture, mining, and tourism as the cornerstone sectors for economic growth and job creation in Limpopo. These industries are vital to the province’s development, given its abundant natural resources and favourable climate for agricultural activities. Limpopo is home to some of South Africa’s largest mineral reserves and offers unparalleled opportunities for agricultural expansion and tourism, particularly eco-tourism and cultural tourism.
In her address, Ramathuba highlighted the potential of these sectors to absorb unemployed youth and stimulate small business growth, calling on her MECs to tap into this potential and deliver tangible results. “We cannot afford to sit back while the people of Limpopo continue to struggle with poverty and unemployment. Our focus must be on driving economic growth in key sectors, and this is a responsibility that lies squarely on the shoulders of each MEC,” she said.
Performance Agreements: A Measure of Accountability:
The signing of the performance agreements between Premier Ramathuba and her MECs is a direct response to the pressing need for transparency, accountability, and measurable progress in government service delivery. Each MEC is tasked with specific targets for job creation, service delivery, and economic development within their department. The agreements will be reviewed quarterly, allowing the Premier to assess the progress of each department and make adjustments where necessary.
“Every quarter, we will sit down and review the performance of each department. If an MEC is not meeting their targets, there will be consequences. I am not afraid to reshuffle the Executive Council or even fire underperforming MECs,” Ramathuba warned. Her statement demonstrates her commitment to ensuring that provincial government departments are not only responsive to the needs of the people but are also driving significant economic progress.
The Current State of Limpopo’s Economy:
Limpopo, despite its vast wealth in minerals and agricultural resources, faces some of the highest levels of unemployment in South Africa. The latest unemployment figures place the province’s unemployment rate at around 27%, with youth unemployment being even more alarming. Agriculture, which should be a pillar of the economy, has not been fully leveraged due to issues such as lack of access to markets, infrastructure deficiencies, and insufficient support for emerging farmers.
Mining, which contributes significantly to the provincial GDP, has also faced challenges related to community unrest, regulatory hurdles, and environmental concerns. The tourism sector, another area with immense potential, has been underdeveloped due to inadequate investment in infrastructure and limited marketing of the province’s cultural and natural attractions.
Unlocking the Potential of Agriculture:
Agriculture has long been seen as the backbone of Limpopo’s economy, with vast tracts of arable land and a climate conducive to a variety of crops, including fruits, vegetables, and livestock farming. However, small-scale and emerging farmers continue to struggle with access to markets, capital, and the necessary infrastructure to expand their operations. Ramathuba has called on the MEC for Agriculture to ensure that these barriers are addressed and that agriculture becomes a viable source of employment for Limpopo’s rural communities.
In her address, Ramathuba spoke passionately about the need for the agricultural sector to absorb more unemployed youth. She urged her MECs to invest in training and development programmes that would equip young people with the skills needed to participate in agriculture. “We need to see our young people working in the fields, contributing to food security, and creating livelihoods for themselves and their families. This is where the future of Limpopo lies,” she said.
To achieve this, the Premier’s office has identified key areas for agricultural investment, including agro-processing, livestock farming, and the expansion of high-value crops like avocados and macadamia nuts. The provincial government will also work to improve access to water for irrigation, as well as roads and transportation networks to facilitate the movement of goods to markets.
Mining as an Economic Driver:
Limpopo is home to some of the richest mineral deposits in South Africa, including platinum, chrome, and diamonds. The mining industry, therefore, plays a crucial role in the province’s economy, contributing to job creation and infrastructure development. However, the sector has been marred by challenges such as community protests, calls for improved working conditions, and concerns over environmental degradation.
Premier Ramathuba has made it clear that mining must become a greater driver of local employment and economic empowerment. She has tasked the MEC for Mineral Resources with ensuring that mining companies operating in Limpopo adhere to strict guidelines on local procurement and job creation. “Our people must benefit from the resources that are being extracted from our land. It is not enough for these companies to extract minerals and leave. They must invest in our communities, create jobs, and ensure that they leave a lasting impact on the province’s economy,” she said.
Tourism: A Sleeping Giant:
Limpopo’s tourism sector is often referred to as a “sleeping giant,” with its unique combination of wildlife, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. From the world-renowned Kruger National Park to the scenic landscapes of the Waterberg, the province has the potential to attract millions of local and international tourists. Yet, the sector has been underdeveloped, with insufficient infrastructure and marketing preventing it from realising its full potential.
Premier Ramathuba has tasked the MEC for Tourism with revitalising the sector and attracting significant investments to improve infrastructure, such as hotels, lodges, and transportation. “Tourism has the potential to create thousands of jobs in Limpopo, particularly for young people. We need to capitalise on our natural resources and cultural heritage to attract more tourists to the province. This will create new opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, and local communities,” she said.
As part of the provincial government’s tourism strategy, efforts will be made to promote eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural experiences that celebrate the rich heritage of Limpopo’s diverse communities. Ramathuba has also highlighted the need for better marketing of the province’s attractions, both domestically and internationally, to ensure that Limpopo becomes a top destination for tourists.
A Commitment to Accountability and Results:
Ramathuba’s ultimatum to her MECs reflects a broader shift towards accountability and results-driven governance in Limpopo. The Premier is determined to ensure that government departments are not only responsive to the needs of the people but are also actively working to create jobs, reduce poverty, and improve service delivery. The quarterly performance reviews will serve as a mechanism to assess progress, identify areas of concern, and take corrective action where necessary.
Ramathuba’s tough stance on performance is likely to resonate with residents of Limpopo, many of whom have grown frustrated with the slow pace of economic development and job creation. Her message to the MECs is clear: failure is not an option, and those who do not deliver will face consequences.
The Role of the Private Sector:
While the provincial government has a key role to play in job creation and economic development, Premier Ramathuba has also called on the private sector to do its part. She emphasised that collaboration between government and business is essential for unlocking the full potential of Limpopo’s economy. The Premier has committed to creating a business-friendly environment, with incentives for companies that invest in the province and contribute to local employment.
“We are open for business. We want to work with the private sector to create jobs, build infrastructure, and grow the economy. But this must be a partnership where everyone benefits—especially the people of Limpopo,” Ramathuba said.
The provincial government has already begun engaging with mining companies, agricultural enterprises, and tourism operators to explore new investment opportunities and ensure that local communities are the primary beneficiaries of economic development.
Challenges Ahead:
While Premier Ramathuba’s vision for job creation and economic growth is ambitious, she faces several challenges in achieving her goals. The province’s infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, remains underdeveloped, and access to capital for small businesses and emerging farmers is limited. Moreover, regulatory hurdles in the mining sector and concerns over environmental sustainability could complicate efforts to drive economic growth.
Nevertheless, Ramathuba remains optimistic about the future of Limpopo. She has expressed confidence in her MECs’ ability to deliver on their performance agreements and has committed to providing the necessary support to ensure that they succeed. “We have no time to waste. Our people are counting on us to deliver results, and we will not let them down,” she concluded.
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