by ANNA NTABANE
MBOMBELA, (Mpumalanga Guardian) – THE Mpumalanga Provincial Government is prioritising job creation for youth in this province which is among the worst affected by unemployment.
This dominated the State of the Province Address (SOPA) delivered by Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane on Tuesday.
“We are committed to exploring new ways to stimulate our economy and create work opportunities,” the premier said.
She disclosed government and private sectors would skill 50 000 young people in the next three years.
The provincial government has set aside R10 million during 2019/20 budget adjustment to establish a Youth Development Fund, Mtshweni-Tsipane said in her address.
“Mpumalanga Regional Training Trust in partnership with the private sectors will increase the number of youth who are put on short term skills development courses like plumbing, painting, electrical, hospitality and others initially targeting those who may have left school between grade 8 and 12,” she continued.
These young people would be deployed to hospitals, clinics, schools and all government buildings to do maintenance and necessary repairs.
The high levels of youth unemployment Mpumalanga were highlighted by the province ranking the third-highest among the nine provinces at the end of the fourth quarter of 2019.
It stood at 33,6 percent.
In her speech, the premier pleaded with everyone to work tirelessly to build an inclusive economy.
She meanwhile applauded the Department of Education after the 2019 matric pass rate reached the 80-percent mark.
“Mpumalanga is one of the top six provinces that have broken this record. We are now aiming higher than 80 percent for the class of 2020,” Mtshweni-Tsipane said.
