By Phenyo Selinda
Mahikeng – North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi has announced a monumental R164 billion investment in the province’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ), set to create over 5,000 jobs. This investment forms part of the province’s broader strategy to enhance economic opportunities and improve service delivery for its citizens.
Youth Empowerment at the Forefront
During the Provincial Annual Media Day launch in Mahikeng, Premier Mokgosi emphasised that youth empowerment remains a top priority for the seventh administration. “The provincial government is working towards implementing the Labour Activation Plan that will result in 27 000 work opportunities and training for unemployed people, with a focus on the youth,” he stated.
The Premier detailed plans to leverage the National Youth Service Fund to offer training and skills development opportunities. “Through the National Youth Service Fund, we will implement training and skills development opportunities that will benefit over 1 200 young people at the Departments of Public Works and Roads, Social Development, Human Settlement as well as Arts, Culture Sports, and Recreation,” he added.
Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and Education Initiatives
Mokgosi revealed that the administration is exploring a new model for the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to ensure it equips young people with essential skills. In addition, the Victor Thebe Sifora Provincial Bursary Scheme will be revitalised, funding no less than 100 students for the 2025 academic year.
Accelerating Service Delivery
Acknowledging the province’s service delivery challenges, the Premier pledged to address these issues promptly. He highlighted the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole – as a crucial tool for improving municipal services. “We are ramping up the programme with the implementation of phase four, focusing on accountability to allow members of the public to give feedback and report cases of bad or lack of service delivery,” Mokgosi explained.
Economic Development and Infrastructure Projects
The Premier announced significant efforts to create economic opportunities, including the SEZ investment commitments. In addition, three mega infrastructure projects in water, sanitation, and road infrastructure are planned for the City of Matlosana, J.B Marks, and Maquassi Hills local municipalities. These projects, costing R19 billion, are expected to generate over 60 000 job opportunities, particularly for the youth and women.
Furthermore, through the Growth and Developmental Strategy (GDS), the North West Development Fund (NWDF) will be launched in partnership with the private sector. “The setting up of the fund will be arranged in a way that will ensure good governance principles are adhered to whilst ensuring that there are as few impediments as possible to ensure seamless delivery of programmes and projects,” Mokgosi stated.
The fund will also support the revival of the province’s tourism sector, particularly the refurbishment of provincial parks and airports like George Dick Montshioa and Pilanesberg.
Media Engagement and Transparency
Premier Mokgosi also announced that Media Day will be held annually after the Premier’s State of the Province Address (SOPA) to communicate the administration’s developmental initiatives and interventions on various socio-economic challenges. Quarterly media sessions will be conducted to report progress, challenges, and achievements.
“The media plays an important role in keeping our communities abreast of key government programmes that are primarily aimed at changing the lives of our people for the better. We affirm and fully support the independence of the media to hold government accountable as enshrined in our Constitution,” Mokgosi concluded.
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