16 January 2006
MEC Andre De Wet, Chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Growth
and Infrastructure, today re-affirmed the Eastern Cape Provincial
Administrationâs commitment to creating a better life for all, when he revealed
details of the Provincial Jobs Summit, scheduled for 15 and 16 February.
The Summit is set to serve as a practical think-tank to achieve tangible
growth in the first and second economies, and will draw together heavy-weights
from the ranks of government, socio-economic development, labour, business and
financing, and civil society.
De Wet emphasised that the summit would focus on developing realistic and
achievable mechanisms to decrease the rate of unemployment, increase investment
opportunities and impact positively on the plight of the people of the
Province. He added that this can only be achieved if all stakeholders are fully
committed to joining hands with the provincial administration.
The MEC allayed fears that the summit would be a âtalk-shopâ by revealing
that the preparation for deliberations would commence prior to the summit with
a call for position papers on a variety of issues. Role-players in commerce,
industry, labour and the small, medium and micro enterprise (SMME) sector are
encouraged to submit their views and concerns on such topics as, but not
limited to:
* The unemployment challenge
* Retaining sustainable jobs in the traditional sectors
* Human capital development
* Enabling SMMEs
* Special employment programmes
* Role of social partners
Best practice examples of successful and creative job creation will be
shared through an innovative competition run prior to the summit. Government
departments and municipalities, as well as businesses and communities who have
created sustainable jobs are eligible to enter the competition.
Another competition will call on the public to exercise their right to input
into the governance of the province by putting forward ideas and proposals to
promote sustainable job creation. Prizes will be allocated in a variety of
categories.
Self-employment and entrepreneurship will also be promoted, and the public
are encouraged to attend an Entrepreneurship Exhibition and Access to Finance
Symposium which will be run concurrent to the summit. The Expo will showcase
the latest in labour intensive equipment and technology, franchise and business
opportunities. The Finance Symposium is aimed at giving entrepreneurs, business
people and communities access to information regarding sourcing of finances for
business ventures and community projects.
The summit will be concluded with the signing of a Social Contract between
government and the role-players.
For further information, please contact:
Adv Naledi Burwana-Bisiwe
Cell: 082 781 8004
Issued by: Eastern Cape Provincial Government
16 January 2006
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecprov.gov.za/)
