Special Economic Zone to create jobs for North West youth
In its determination to fight poverty, unemployment and inequality, the North West Provincial Government is to establish the Special Economic Zone - SEZ in the Bojanala District and create much needed jobs for young people. This was announced by Premier Supra Mahumapelo who delivered the Office of Premier - Budget Vote Speech at North West Provincial Legislature today.
Premier Mahumapelo indicated that efforts by the provincial government to establish SEZ, received a massive boost when the North West Development Corporation - NWDC secured funds to invest in SEZ.
“NWDC has secured R 110 million worth of investments for the SEZ. The project is expected to attract investment to the value of R 4bn and has a potential of creating 6 045 jobs for young people over a 5 year period” remarked Mahumapelo.
Premier Mahumapelo also announced that more jobs will be created to young people when the Villages, Township and Small Dorpies - VTSD Tuck Shop Economy is being rolled out in other districts.
“Through NWDC a warehouse was established and launched at Potchefstroom in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District. A mini shopping complex, which comprised of a butchery; tuck-shop; hardware store and a hair salon was also launched at Ventersdorp. 100 beneficiaries were identified and have undergone training. In this financial year VTSD Tuck Shop Economy will be rolled out to other districts in the province and scores of young people will benefit” said Premier Mahumapelo.
The provincial government through Office of the Premier will also fund more young people in this academic year to further their studies at different institutions of higher learning and become employable.
“In the 18/19 financial year, additional 115 bursaries will be allocated to support youth from poor and working class families in our VTSDs” said Premier Mahumapelo.
The provincial government is also aiming at ensuring broadband connectivity especially in the VTSD areas of the province.
“Key to the broadband connectivity is Free WIFI Connectivity in the following VTSD areas: Mofufutso, Manonyane, Gopane and Mocoseng villages. The service provider has been appointed and is on site. Facilities such as clinics, schools and libraries in those villages will have wifi connectivity” said Premier Mahumapelo
The connectivity will assist young people in these villages to surf the internet for free without having to travel to towns to access emails or make online applications.
For enquiries, contact:
Mr Brian Setswambung
Provincial Head of Communication
Cell: 076 012 4501
E-mail: bsetswambung@nwpg.gov.za
