10 February 2006
The North West Province has recorded an economic growth rate of 4,9% this
year compared to 4,5% in the last financial year, a factor which North West
Premier Edna Molewa attributes to a commitment by the Provincial Government to
a 6% and more growth.
Addressing the Provincial Legislature during the State of the Province
Address Premier Molewa said this level of growth placed the province in a
similar position with big provinces like KwaZulu-Natal and that with the
provincial government's commitment to a 6% growth, would contribute to the
national effort for economic growth, development and national prosperity.
"This is in line with our Growth and Development Strategy and in support of
the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (ASGISA)," she
said.
Premier Molewa said the largest industries in the economy in terms of their
contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) in the Province were the mining
and quarrying industries, the finance, real estate and business services and
the general government services sector.
"We must acknowledge however, the unfortunate decline in agriculture which
is one of our critical economic sectors in its contribution to the GDP. Whilst
we are acutely aware that this decline is part of a national downward trend, in
the province we are exploring ways and means of turning the situation around
for our economic benefit.
"We will continue to deploy our resources in this sector to boost rural
development and assist both commercial and emerging farmers," the Premier
said.
Enquiries:
Cornelius Monama
Spokesperson North West Provincial Government
Tel: (018) 387 3456
Cell: 082 578 4063
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
10 February 2006
