The MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Mme Kenetswe Mosenogi indicated that the department has been allocated R986.4 million to accelerate transformational, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the province. This was said during the tabling of her Departmental Budget speech for 2019/20 at the North West Provincial Legislature recently.
Mosenogi pointed out that economic growth and development is a shared responsibility therefore her Department will broadly consult with relevant key stakeholders which includes amongst others National Departments, private sector, developmental financial institutions for the development of an integrated plan as they are instrumental in changing the economic landscape of the province.
The Department will set up platforms for regular engagements with the said stakeholders aimed at accelerating and promoting integrated economic planning to change the lives of the citizens of the North West Province.
“In support of the Provincial Development Plan‘s priorities of economy and employment, the province has identified several programmes that will be implemented which includes employment through economic growth, public and private procurement, mining collaboration strategy, value chain identification and support to mention a few”, said Mosenogi.
She further said that after engaging stakeholders the Department hopes to have an Integrated Provincial Economic Growth Strategy aimed at prioritizing economic sectors that will enhance the development of the province, revitalize industrial parks, attract investment and address township and rural economies.
Furthermore thedevelopment of an integrated growth strategy will respond to issues relating to unemployment, poverty and underdevelopment.
The province will during August host Economic and Growth Job Summit and engage mining houses in the province to stimulate the economic growth and create jobs, quality economic infrastructure to support growth to advance a growing economy that is inclusive, diversified and competitive.
The department will further enter into new partnership with the Automobile Industry Development Council (AIDC) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to revive industrial parks in the province and to create new and niche industries in line with the comparative advantage with regard to industrial development engagements with the research institutions such as University of the North West and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research to evaluate and reposition the competitive edge of the province.
“This initiative is intended to restore the dignity of our people by providing them with opportunities to earn an income whilst developing their skills”, said MEC Mosenogi.
Enquiries:
Dumisa Seshabela
Cell: 079 522 7375
E-mail: dseshabela@nwpg.gov.za
Dineo Lolokwane
Cell: 072 542 8444
E-mail: dlolokwane@nwpg.gov.za
