Following the deep concern expressed by the Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana on the shutdown planned for Monday, 20 March 2023; the MEC for Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA), Mr Thabo Meeko explained that the planned shutdown is an antithesis of government initiatives on economic recovery and reconstruction.
Free State Government, together with various organised business formations, is working tirelessly to come up with practical solutions, not only to reboot the economy, but also to initiate plans to deal with triple challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment.
Currently, the Free State unemployment rate is at 36% and interventions by the government working together with business community are showing some green shoots as demonstrated by the decreasing unemployment rate in Quarter 3 compared to same period in the previous year.
Various progressive interventions have been made to encourage young people in particular to start viable businesses and create much-needed jobs.
“In the 2023/24 DESTEA budget vote, I will outline drastic and radical measures on how we intend to recalibrate the economy of the province,” said MEC Meeko.
MEC Meeko said the planned shutdown is unfortunate and irresponsible conduct towards the economy.
In his State of the Province Address, Premier emphasized the key role that the infrastructure and integrated planning play in building sustainable growth.
"Growing the Free State economy and creating jobs remains the focus of this administration," said MEC Meeko.
MEC added that many businesses collapsed due to the Covid 19-pandemic and load shedding resulting in many people losing their jobs. The government, through stewardship of the Ministry of Electricity, is working tirelessly in ensuring that there's energy security in the country.
"We warmly welcome the announced improvements in ESKOM's power generation fleet that over the past week, six coal fired power stations achieved an energy available factor of 70%. This is a clear demonstration that the government is committed to dealing with the challenges at hand.
Therefore, interrupting economic activities such as the tourism sector, the food and hospitality industry, manufacturing, and logistics will impact the economy negatively and affect the lives of the poor.
MEC continued that the said shutdown poses a serious threat to the economy and will further exacerbate the socio-economic hardships of the people.
“They must stop using innocent people as guinea pigs to test their strength towards 2024 elections, “. Meeko said.
He further called on law enforcement agencies to ensure that businesses and the people of the Free State are protected.
Enquiries:
Mojalefa Mphapang
Cell: 072 274 1734
E-mail: Mphapangm@destea.gov.za
