Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has announced that there are plans in place to increase employment in the province to 2.4 million. This news was warmly welcomed by the people of the Eastern Cape, who have long been struggling with high unemployment rates.
During his State of the Province Address on Tuesday, Premier Mabuyane shared his vision and plans for the Eastern Cape, focusing on economic growth and job creation. He highlighted the fact that the province was facing a critical unemployment crisis, with the official unemployment rate at 35%, and the expanded unemployment rate at a staggering 47%.
In order to address this issue, Premier Mabuyane unveiled a bold plan to create 1.2 million new jobs by 2029, effectively doubling the current number of employed individuals in the province. This plan is part of the province’s broader development strategy, which aims to transform the Eastern Cape into a thriving and prosperous province for all its citizens.
The Premier emphasized the need for a collective effort from both the public and private sectors to achieve this goal. He called on businesses to invest in the province and create job opportunities, while also urging government departments to work together to attract and retain investors.
Premier Mabuyane also highlighted the importance of skills development and education in creating employment. Under his leadership, the Eastern Cape government has prioritized the expansion of access to quality education and training, with a focus on equipping young people with the necessary skills to enter the job market.
In addition to this, the Premier announced plans to launch a comprehensive rural development program, which will create job opportunities in the agricultural sector. This program will also include initiatives to support and empower smallholder farmers, who play a vital role in the province’s economy.
The Premier’s announcement has been met with great enthusiasm and optimism from the people of the Eastern Cape. Many see this as a game-changing opportunity that will bring much-needed economic growth and development to the province.
One resident, Thandiwe Nxumalo, shared her thoughts on the Premier’s plans, saying, “This is great news for all of us, especially the youth. We have been struggling to find employment, and now we have hope for a better future. We must all work together to make this vision a reality.”
Another resident, Sipho Mkhwanazi, expressed his confidence in the Premier’s leadership, stating, “Premier Mabuyane has shown that he is committed to the development of our province. His plans to create jobs show that he truly cares about the people of the Eastern Cape.”
The Premier’s plans have also been praised by various organizations, including the Eastern Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In a statement, the chamber expressed their support for the government’s efforts to stimulate the economy and create jobs, stating that this would have a positive impact on the business sector in the province.
In conclusion, the announcement of plans to increase employment in the Eastern Cape to 2.4 million is a major step towards achieving economic growth and development in the province. Premier Mabuyane’s vision and strategy have instilled hope and confidence in the people, and with the support of all stakeholders, the Eastern Cape is poised for a brighter future. As a united community, we can work towards a more prosperous and job-rich Eastern Cape for all.
