North West Premier Lazzy Mokgosi identified high unemployment and poverty in the province as among the immediate socio-economic issues that his administration needed to tackle.
In his budget vote and policy speech on Tuesday, Mokgosi referred to the grim statistics highlighted by a recent Labour Survey. These include a 52.2% unemployment rate under the expanded definition. It underscores the severity of the problem, particularly impacting women and youth.
“The indignity of unemployment and poverty can arguably be blamed for the multi-layered social challenges. These are crime, drug, and substance abuse, as well as gender-based violence and femicide, among others,” said Mokgosi.
On the economic front, he introduced the new Premier’s Economic & Investment Advisory Council. It comprises members from the executive council, labour, and the private sector.
Collaborative approach to economic challenges
He said the inaugural meeting and the council’s plan of action signify a structured and collaborative approach to economic challenges.
Mokgosi then shifted focus to the office of the premier. He detailed its responsibility for interventions aimed at designated groups. These include youth, women, and people with disabilities.
This included strategic partnerships with entities in the skills development sector and the private sector. This to expand services such as bursaries, internships, and learnerships.
He stated that procurement from small businesses led by women, youth and people with disabilities received a significant portion of the budget. And that the financial commitment underscored a targeted approach to economic empowerment and inclusivity.
“Our focus for this financial year is to scale up and massify all interventions aimed at alleviating youth unemployment. As well as advancing initiatives aimed at the empowerment of women and people with disabilities.”
The speech then highlighted the province’s shortcomings in meeting employment equity targets for persons with disabilities. This with a commitment to stricter monitoring and compliance to achieve these goals.
Women, youth, and people living with disabilities
“We have a budget of R13,954,250 for the procurement of goods and services from small businesses led by women, youth, and people living with disabilities,” he said.
“We will also increase our monitoring. This to ensure that all provincial departments and SOEs do business with companies owned and led by people from designated groups.”
Acknowledging older people, Mokgosi praised their contributions. Particularly through the North West Older Persons Forum. And he noted upcoming national events focused on aging.
He reinforced the value of all age groups in societal development.
However, in a shift to a sombre tone, he addressed the deaths of three older residents. The three lived at an old age home in Jericho village in Madibeng Local Municipality. He called for a police investigation and compliance from NGOs and NPOs in operating such facilities. This included a call to action for improved oversight and care standards.
The premier also mentioned initiatives for veterans. He detailed the approval and nearing completion of housing units for military veterans. Mokgosi stated that the initiative aimed to support those who had served the country.
“Thirteen units covering Ganyesa, Tlakgameng, Mabela aa Podi, and Bapong are nearing completion. And they will be handed over to beneficiaries once completed.”
Strides made by the Provincial Council on Aids
He said there had been a reported decline in HIV/Aids infections. This is due to the effective coordination of the Provincial Council on Aids in the fight against HIV, TB, and STIs.
“Our efforts are yielding desired results. As for the past three years, we have recorded a downward spiral in HIV/Aids infections. With a decline of 1.7% in the last financial year,” he said.
He also outlined efforts for developing and implementing a new provincial implementation plan. His emphasis on a continued commitment to public health.
Mokgosi also delved into efforts to clean up the public service. This to ensure ethical conduct and proper qualifications among staff. He announced a review of the organisational structure for the Office of the Premier. It is aimed at enhancing its role as a central coordinating body within the provincial administration.
He announced plans to strengthen digital platforms and relationships with media. In order to improve government communications and keep residents informed.
