The North West Premier has announced plans to create more than 20,000 job opportunities for unemployed youth in the province.

This announcement was made during the official opening of the 2024 legislature Premier Lazarus Mokgosi address for the seventh administration, held in the Mmabatho Parking Lot this morning.

Last year, the province recorded an unemployment rate exceeding 53%, the highest in the country. Premier Mokgosi, in his address, emphasised the provincial government's commitment to addressing this crisis and improving the local economy.

“Madam Speaker and honourable members, the eighth pact priority of the seventh administration is job creation for the youth. We want to get our young people to work and contribute to the economy of the province,” Mokgosi stated.

‘This programme aims to create 27,000 work opportunities’

Mokgosi announced that the legal processes for the roll-out of a labor activation program are nearing completion. This programme aims to create 27,000 work opportunities and training initiatives for the unemployed, particularly targeting the youth. This significant initiative is a key part of the provincial government’s strategy to reduce unemployment and stimulate economic growth.

In addition, Mokgosi revealed that his office has signed a memorandum of agreement with the National Skills Fund. This agreement will finance critical interventions across all provincial departments, ensuring that young people are employed in vital positions.

‘Increased investment to drive economic growth needed’

The Department of Public Works and Roads, Social Development, Human Settlements, and Arts, Culture, Sports, and Recreation will implement training and skills opportunities benefiting over 1,200 young people.

The provincial government previously raised concerns over lack of opportunities and employment for youth. Former Acting Premier Nono Maloyi had condemned officials for failing to utilise available resources to improve the province’s economic situation, calling for increased investment to drive economic growth.

FF Plus Caucus Leader Michal Groenewald welcomed the announcement but emphasised that the government’s role is to create a conducive environment for economic growth, which will naturally lead to job creation.

Freedom Front Plus' Michal Groenewald. Picture: X

He criticised the provincial government for outsourcing responsibilities to struggling entities like the North West Development Corporation, which he described as cash cows for connected elites. Groenewald called for better governance and more direct action to utilise financial resources effectively for the benefit of the people.

OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi mc