Gauteng taking the lead in addressing youth unemployment – Gauteng premier

JOBURG – Premier David Makhura focuses on job creation, corruption and education during his Sopa.

March 1, 2018

Laura Pisanello 2 minutes read

Gauteng Premier David Makhura gave his annual State of the Province Address and highlighted plans to grow the economy, crack down on corruption and create jobs.

Inside the @GPLegislature chambers. The Singing of the National Anthem is done . Speaker Ntombi Mekgwe is presiding over the session #GPSOPA18 pic.twitter.com/nJID7wdav8

— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) February 26, 2018

Makhura, who gave the address on 26 February at the Gauteng Legislature, said that he was encouraged by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s plans of radical transformation and re-industrialisation.

"We in Gauteng are deeply humbled and highly encouraged that much of what the President outlined in his State of the Nation Address constitutes the core of our programme for radical Transformation, Modernisation and Re-industrialisation" #GPSOPA18 pic.twitter.com/TOLsrdQGyi

— Gauteng Provincial Gov (@GautengProvince) February 26, 2018

He said the Gauteng government would work together to uphold ethical leadership and integrity by intensifying the fight against corruption, collusion and maladministration and work in partnership with civil society.

“We must first acknowledge that we are emerging from a period of pain, adversity and despair. It has been a difficult and trying time for citizens, businesses and even those of us who have been afforded the opportunity and responsibility to serve the people in government.”

"I will also initiate lifestyle audit for members of the Executive Council and Heads of Departments. We want to send a strong message that we are committed to probity, transparency and accountability in the conduct of public affairs."- PRM #Makhura #GPSOPA18

— Gauteng Provincial Gov (@GautengProvince) February 26, 2018

Makhura also highlighted education during his speech and said they hope to empower young people through education by providing access to early childhood development opportunities and investing resources in the training and development of young people.

Premier David Makhura on quality basic education in Gauteng. #SOPAGP #GPSOPA18 pic.twitter.com/pldbynyipN

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) February 26, 2018

“Gauteng is also taking the lead in addressing youth unemployment and youth development. It is for this reason that we introduced this large scale and massive programme, Tshepo 1 Million as an intervention to open opportunities with regard to demand-led skills development, job placement and entrepreneurship for the youth of Gauteng.”

"GP is also taking a lead in addressing youth unemployment and development. It is for this reason that we introduced this large scale and massive programme, Tshepo 1 Million as an intervention to open opportunities."- #GPSOPA18 pic.twitter.com/vby7EKKqD0

— Gauteng Provincial Gov (@GautengProvince) February 26, 2018

The premier also made mention of the Life Esidimeni tragedy in which 144 mental health patients died. He stated that while the transfer of the patients was not approved by him, he takes responsibility for the tragedy.

#Makhura: The death of 144 Life #Esidimeni mental health patients is a tragedy that has left deep wounds and pain in the collective memory of our democratic nation. It is something that should have never happened and should never happen again #GPSOPA18 #SOPAGP

— Inside Education (@Inside_Edu) February 26, 2018

“I cannot pass the buck. I am the premier of this province. The buck stops with me. I take responsibility for anything that goes wrong in the administration I lead. I must face the people and fix the problem.

“I would like to call on you to lend a hand in working for a province and country of our dreams. I thank all the dreamers, young and old, who refuse to succumb to despair and adversity. Let us be the province of hope, renewal and change.”

Not everyone, however, echoed Makhura’s positive sentiments as the Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters protested against corruption and wasteful expenditure outside the building.