Makhura tables big plans for youth and township economy

Youth employment and township economy takes the centre stage of Gauteng Premier David Makhura’s State of the Province address. Makhura delivered his address on 1 July at the University of Johannesburg Soweto campus.

He revealed that within 200 days, he will announce the number of jobs each sector and company will contribute towards government’s five-year job creation target, involving the contribution of the township economy, cooperatives and small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME).

Makhura said the government will target and enforce procurement from township businesses to the value of 30 per cent of the procurement budget. Furthermore, the Gauteng government would introduce e-invoicing which will also speed up payment to SMMEs and township businesses from 30 days to 15 days to enhance their sustainability.

“We will continue to invest in infrastructure that supports clusters of township businesses to expand, access markets and prosper. This will include rejuvenating township industrial parks, agri-hubs and local produce markets,” said Makhura.

Township enterprises, SMMEs and co-operatives will be given the opportunity to maintain and repair government facilities, equipment, furniture and infrastructure which will open door to youth training and employment.

Unused land and the provincial government would be released to create jobs and enable township businesses to lease the properties for business purposes. Makhura said he will challenge municipalities to work with the provincial government to make it possible. “In partnership with the taxi industry and municipalities, we will transform taxi rank facilities to become vibrant economic nodes in all townships and central business districts (CBDs),” said Makhura.

Makhura added that young people can practice new digital trades and learning through existing programmes such as Tshepo 1 Million through the expansion of the nine Ekasi labs with desktops and high-speed broadband in all townships.

A joint township economy innovation fund with the private sector will be established. Makhura said this was line with the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa of the establishment of the Township Entrepreneurial Fund.

He added that to better enable the functioning of the government interventions in the township economy, he would champion a new model by-law for more developmental regulation of township businesses.

“Accordingly, I challenge all of you to work with us to support the promulgation of the new Gauteng Township Economy Development Act which will make it easier, affordable and quicker to register, open and operate a business in a township. Gone are the days when township businesses will be harassed by the government and police. The government needs to create an enabling framework,” he said.

R60 billion infrastructure budget will be used to drive an agenda for job creation, economic empowerment, and spatial transformation. Makhura added that in response to the President’s call for creating 2 million jobs for the youth, Gauteng government will in the next five years, place 250 000 youth into long term jobs in various sectors. Furthermore, young people would be prioritised in entry-level jobs also implementing the government policy eliminating requirements of experience.

“We will expand the welfare-to-work programme to reach 100 000 unemployed young women who are currently dependent on child support grants and empower them with skills to become employed and self-employed,” said Makhura.

In addition, Makhura said the government would continue with mass digital learning and digital skills programme to reach over 1 million young people, especially out of school youth.

“We will make it mandatory for all service providers that do business with the Gauteng government to hire and train young people. The target will be set after engaging with the sector.”

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https://midrandreporter.co.za/192339/gauteng-premier-delivers-sopa/