Committee satisfied with North West visit but concerned about high rate of unemployment
The Select Committee on Trade and International Relations has voiced satisfaction with its North West visit but said unemployment was still too high.
The Chairperson Mr Eddie Makue said the Committee noted with appreciation that government had adopted a proactive approach in dealing with the pending job losses in the mining industry. “We note with appreciation the fact that the Bakgatla Traditional Authority chose the high ground, in that it did not look at a stop-gap approach to economic development. They are proactive in ensuring that the community benefits from the wealth of the area on a sustainable basis,” said Mr Makue.
“This multi-party Committee is unanimous that the approach by this tribe could be replicated elsewhere in the country. The plans of Bagatla are in line with the National Development Plan (NDP) as well as the provincial development plans,” he said.
The Committee concluded a week-long oversight visit to the province to assess opportunities and shortcomings in the implementation of national programmes of government and addressing key priorities as articulated in NDP. Mr Makue said unemployment was still relatively high and the ACT (agro-processing, culture and tourism) approach could assist in alleviating the challenge of unemployment. “The Committee is satisfied that economic development is on the right track in the district of Bojanala,” he concluded.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Sibongile Maputi
Tel: 021 403 8041
Cell: 081 052 6060
E-mail: smaputi@parliament.gov.za
