Investments in mining, agriculture to create jobs
The Vhembe and Mopani districts remain a haven for agriculture and agro-processing with current investments valued at R250 million.Investment in mining and mineral-related beneficiation amounting to R10 billion is expected to fund projects in Sekhukhune district. This was highlighted by Economic Development, Environment and Tourism MEC, Seaparo Sekoati when he tabled a R1,6 billion budget …
The Vhembe and Mopani districts remain a haven for agriculture and agro-processing with current investments valued at R250 million.Investment in mining and mineral-related beneficiation amounting to R10 billion is expected to fund projects in Sekhukhune district.
This was highlighted by Economic Development, Environment and Tourism MEC, Seaparo Sekoati when he tabled a R1,6 billion budget vote at the Legislature last Friday. He said in Mopani district investments in the recycling of scrap metal, agro-processing of tomatoes and fish production amounts to R2,5 billion. In Capricorn, the current investment projects are into mining and smelting of platinum group metals and processing of potatoes to the tune of R1,5 billion, he explained.
Sekoati went on to say the department was making significant strides in mining development in the province and added that Fumani Gold Mine in Giyani will commence mining operations during this financial year once the Department of Mineral Resources has granted the letter for execution of rights. The mine is anticipated to create about 500 direct job opportunities once in operation.
Sefateng Chrome Mine, currently open cast, will commence underground mining operations during this financial year. Sekoati emphasised that the underground operations will increase direct job opportunities to about 1 250 persons.
“To date, 300 job opportunities have been created at Sefateng and Tshepong and five communities are benefiting as equity holders from operations. In Waterberg district investments are in the mining of coal, platinum group metals, manufacturing of pipes and the red meat industry worth R8,8 billion.”
The departmental budget votes for 2018/19 are as follows: Administration is allocated R394 million, economic development R749,5 million, environmental affairs R383,7 million while tourism gets R137,8 million. Government entities Ledet were allocated as follows: Limpopo Gambling Board receives R71,5 million, Limpopo Tourism Agency R109,2 million while Limpopo Economic Development Agency gets a budget amounting to R565,9 million.
Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za
