Limpopo’s economy under the spotlight during Premier Mathabatha’s recent Sopa address
Of 3,7 million people who are eligible to work, only 1,4 million are employed in the various sectors.
POLOKWANE – Government has now moved from policy making to police implementation. This was according to the Premier, Chupu Stanley Mathabatha, when he delivered the State of the Province (Sopa) last week.
Limpopo, he said, has moved in terms of labour absorption capacity of various sectors of the economy, into a downward spiral. Of 3,7 million people who are eligible to work, only 1,4 million are employed in the various sectors.
The current unemployment rate in the province, although it is the lowest in the country, stands at 18,5% – down from 16,6 in the last quarter of 2018.
Mathabatha said government has taken the conscious decision to build an economy that will be a major contributor to the national wealth by 2030, and that it was underpinned by the commitment to create and maintain an enabling environment, conducive to economic growth, social justice and improved quality of life for all the people in the province.
“The new dawn demands that government must build an economy that grows at a higher rate, create jobs, provides opportunities for SMMEs to thrive and promote equitable distribution of resources,” Mathabatha said, adding that the provincial government will build on a solid foundation that has been laid the last 25 years.
“A total of 20% of state procurement should go to youth-owned enterprises, 20% will benefit women-owned enterprises and 75 will go to businesses owned by people with disabilities.”
Referring to the flagship Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone he said the focus is to ensure that 21 000 jobs be created for the people of Limpopo, particularly the youth.
Mathabatha said a partnership has been established with the Department of Higher Education and Training, TVET colleges in particular, for SEZ skills development purposes to feed the demand for these skills that will be needed.
A total of R150 million was set aside for the revitalisation of three industrial parks to create jobs. Tourism would be promoted with the aim of creating more jobs.
It was hoped that private equity partners will assist with the revitalisation of nature reserves to turn around these and make them viable enterprises.
Mining enterprises, of which eight projects situated in the Capricorn and Sekhukhune districts were in the pipeline, are expected to create around 3 000 jobs.
Agri-processing and agricultural projects will also lead to job creation. This include the re-operationalisation of the Lebowakgomo poultry abattoir, with the capacity to process 120 000 chickens per day, generating 250 jobs.
The re-vitalisation of irrigation schemes in Tswelopele, Phetwane, Mogalatjane, Elandskraal and Zamekomst will also be finalised this financial year and billions of Rand will be spent this financial year on upgrading and establishing new infrastructure in various sectors. This will add to job creation in the province.
