It’s understood that over R300 million has been invested into the Rui Star Iron-steel smelter plant which is at Industrial Park in Thaba Nchu. According to the statement issued the project was initiated to grow the economy of the province and create jobs for local people. Currently, the smelter plant has created 150 job opportunities and more people should expect to be employed as the facility can employ more than 500 people when fully commissioned.  

https://www.ofm.co.za/article/centralsa/322771/community-flock-to-botshabelo-food-outlet-for-employment

Earlier this year hundreds of unemployed people have flocked to a new food outlet in Botshabelo, hoping to get employed. On Tuesday, 21 March 2023 when the outlet was accepting applications a long queue of people could be seen. Some of the community members took to social media to air their grievances about how unemployment has affected the people of the country. Scores of unemployed people also flocked to the Lemo Mall's Ackermans store in Bloemfontein, hoping to be employed this year. This was after the store posted job vacancies at the soon-to-be-opened branch on the mall's website. The Centre manager of the mall, Tsediso Kabi, says they are in no position to share how many people might be employed as it is only the store that can comment. He says the massive crowd solidifies the fact that the country's unemployment rate is very high and people are desperate to make a living for themselves.

https://www.ofm.co.za/article/centralsa/322666/hundreds-flock-to-bloemfontein-mall-for-employment

“With investment such as the Rui Star Iron Steel manufacturing plant, it is a clear demonstration that we are on a mission to attract more investors to grow the Free State economy to create much-needed jobs for the local people. We have embarked on a roadshow to meet with local municipalities to ensure that they create incentive packages that will assist in attracting more investments and unlock local economic opportunities,” Meeko stated.

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