North West Premier Prioritizes Youth Empowerment in New Administration

One of the central elements of the province’s strategy is the Labour Activation Plan, which will generate 27,000 work opportunities and training programs, with a special focus on the youth.

North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi has announced that youth empowerment will be a key priority for the province's new administration. Speaking at the Provincial Annual Media Day in Mahikeng on Friday, Mokgosi outlined a series of initiatives aimed at creating work opportunities and enhancing service delivery across the region.

One of the central elements of the province's strategy is the Labour Activation Plan, which will generate 27,000 work opportunities and training programs, with a special focus on the youth. The Premier highlighted the National Youth Service Fund's role in providing training and skills development for over 1,200 young people in departments such as Public Works and Roads, Social Development, Human Settlements, and Arts, Culture, Sports, and Recreation.

Additionally, Mokgosi revealed that a new model for the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is being explored to better equip young people with diverse skills. The Victor Thebe Sifora Provincial Bursary Scheme will also be revived, offering funding for at least 100 students for the 2025 academic year.

On the topic of service delivery, Mokgosi acknowledged the province's current challenges and outlined plans to address them swiftly. The Accelerated Service Delivery Programme - Thuntsha Lerole will be expanded with phase four, which will focus on improving accountability and allowing public feedback on service delivery.

The Premier emphasized that the Executive Council is prepared to intervene in municipalities as needed to ensure service improvements. He also noted progress in ongoing municipal interventions.

To foster economic growth, Mokgosi reported that the province has secured R164 billion in investment commitments through the Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which will create over 5,000 jobs. Three major infrastructure projects, costing R19 billion, are planned for water, sanitation, and road infrastructure in the City of Matlosana, J.B. Marks, and Maquassi Hills local municipalities, aiming to generate over 60,000 work opportunities targeted at youth and women.

The North West Development Fund (NWDF) will be established in partnership with the private sector to support the province's growth and development goals. This fund will also focus on revitalizing the tourism sector, including the refurbishment of provincial parks and airports such as George Dick Montshioa and Pilanesberg.

Mokgosi announced that Media Day will be held annually following the Premier's State of the Province Address (SOPA) to update the public on developmental initiatives and address socio-economic challenges like unemployment, poverty, and income inequality. Quarterly media sessions will also be held to report progress and outline remedial actions and achievements.

"We recognize the critical role of the media in keeping communities informed about government programs aimed at improving lives," Mokgosi said. "We support the media's independence in holding the government accountable as outlined in our Constitution."