Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel says the current infrastructure development programme is the biggest and most ambitious plan in South African history, with a price tag of more than R4 trillion.
Addressing a COSATU May Day dinner in Mpumalanga last night, Minister Patel said Mpumalanga is a major beneficiary of government’s infrastructure development projects. He cited the R118 billion Kusile coal-fired power station currently under construction which is employing about 12 700 workers. He said the Kusile project will generate 4800 megawatts of electricity with the first of the planned six units scheduled for commissioning within three years. Over the next two years, an additional 3 000 workers will be employed on the site as the country builds one of the world's largest coal-fired new power stations.
Minister Patel pointed to other parts if the infrastructure rollout programme, including the new Majuba Rail Line under construction that will carry over 14 million tons of coal in a year to relieve the pressure of the road network. The project will sustain over 750 new jobs in the construction phase.
He noted that Mpumalanga had created the highest number of new jobs during the last quarter of 2012.
Minister Patel said many government “interventions have begun to make a difference in the lives of the people of this province. Our obligation is to intensify the implementation of various strategic and integrated development projects currently being rolled out in Mpumalanga so that we promote job creation, fight poverty and reduce inequalities.”
He told the gathering what progress had been made by government to begin construction of the first ever university in the province which will improve access to tertiary education and build a workforce capable of driving the diversification of the province's growth and development.
He urged the provincial leadership and workers of Mpumalanga to use the opportunities created by government to promote industrialisation and jobs for young people.
"Developing new industrial capacity and decent jobs are at the centre of our national economic goals," he said.
He reported on the Youth Employment Accord signed by union, business, youth and government leaders recently in Soweto, which can help to create job opportunities for the many young people in search of work.
Minister Patel concluded his address by calling for social solidarity to build the economy, open up job opportunies for young people and develop solid shop-floor partnerships.
The ceremony was attended by the Premier of Mpumalanga David Mabuza, the Executive Mayor of Nkangala District Municipality Councillor Speedy Mashilo, the Deputy General Secretary of COSATU Bheki Ntshalintshali, the provincial leadership of COSATU, renowned Mpumalanga musicians that include Ray Phiri, Rebecca Malope, Sipho Makhabane, Nothembi Mkhwebane and others. COSATU used the ceremony to also honour the outstanding artists for their contribution in placing the province on the international map and contributing in economic development, including the late reggae maestro Lucky Dube.
Enquiries:
Manelisi Wolela, Spokesperson
Cell: 071 313 4192
E-mail: mwolela@economic.gov.za
