In an effort to provide immediate relief to thousands of unemployed people in the province, the Gauteng Provincial Government will launch a massive Community Works programme in the 50 poorest wards in the province.
“This will provide a critical employment safety net for our people,” said Premier Nomvula Mokonyane during her State of the Province Address on Monday.
“Through these programmes we will provide each household in the poorest communities with a job for 100 days,” Mokonyane said.
In addition to this, the government will, as part of the revitalisation of the manufacturing sector, work with the private sector to rehabilitate the Babelegi Industrial Park. It will become a hub for energy related industry and contribute to the creation of green jobs and economic opportunities in one of the poorest parts of the province.
To further boost the manufacturing sector, Mokonyane said they had completed plans for the revitalisation of Ekandustria and would interact with national government and the provincial government of Mpumalanga to complete the transfer of ownership to the Gauteng province.
“Greater attention will be given to supporting the growth of small, medium and micro enterprises as well as cooperatives,” she said, adding that the focus will be on poor communities with the aim of creating new wealth which will translate into decent work opportunities.
In this regard, support will include business development, mentoring, loan financing and other forms of support that will ensure viability and sustainability of small medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) and cooperatives.
According to the premier, cooperatives have a great potential to contribute to improving the incomes of the poorest and combating unemployment.
The service delivery model for Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital now incorporates the awarding of contracts to cooperatives to render services such as cleaning services, gardening, laundry, security, pest control, plumbing, electronics, painting, general repairs and maintenance.
‘Nine other provincial hospitals will also procure goods and services from cooperatives,” the Gauteng premier said.
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
22 February 2010
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.gautengonline.gov.za/)
