Tshwane: Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced that at least 830,000 employment opportunities will be created in the province through public and private initiatives. The Premier made the announcement during the State of the Province Address held in Tshwane on Monday evening.
According to South African Government News Agency, Lesufi emphasized that the plan is not about promises but substantive employment commitments. He stated that 271,150 new permanent jobs and 561,000 employment opportunities will be generated across various sectors, bringing the total to 832,150.
Permanent job creation initiatives include phase two of the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone, expected to create 4,000 construction jobs and 2,150 post-construction jobs. The Public Sector Infrastructure Project will introduce a R220 billion infrastructure pipeline, creating 34,000 construction jobs and 17,000 post-construction jobs. The expansion of Lanseria International Airport, with a R3 billion investment, will yield 3,000 new jobs. The Mekgrereng Smart City Project, attracting a R20 billion investment, will create 20,000 new jobs. The Vaal Special Economic Zone’s R28 billion investment in a Vaal Aerotropolis is set to create 6,000 new jobs. Additionally, the Gautrain project expansion is anticipated to create 125,000 jobs, while the tourism and hospitality sector is set to support 60,000 jobs.
Job opportunities will also arise from the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), creating 469,000 jobs for the unemployed. The Department of Higher Education and Training will invest R1.3 billion to recruit 40,000 individuals Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET). A labor activation program in partnership with the Department of Labour will provide 20,000 stipend-based work opportunities. The Presidential Youth Employment Stimulus is projected to generate 32,000 teacher assistant jobs.
Addressing the closure of a steel manufacturer plant, Accerlormetal, in the Sedibeng area, Lesufi mentioned a commitment to establish a new steel firm. A new R2.5 billion steel firm has already hired 1,000 workers in its first phase, with phase two expected to double this workforce. Lesufi urged municipalities and government entities to expedite administrative processes to officially open the new steel plant.
To stimulate investment, Lesufi announced the upcoming Gauteng Investment Conference under the theme, Investing in Gauteng: The Engine of Africa’s Growth. The conference aims to secure R800 billion in new investment pledges over the next three years, with expectations of over R300 billion from the private sector alone by April 2025. The public sector intends to showcase an infrastructure pipeline worth at least R220 billion.