MAHIKENG, North West — Acting Premier Nono Maloyi, in his State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Tuesday, acknowledged the slow economic growth in the North West despite the region’s rich mineral resources. The province continues to grapple with high levels of poverty and unemployment, which Maloyi described as having a detrimental effect on job creation efforts. However, he also conveyed a sense of optimism, pointing to recent signs of economic recovery.
According to South African Government News Agency, the North West province was one of only three provinces to report significant employment growth in the third quarter of 2023, with over 61,000 jobs created. He expressed particular concern over the unemployment rate affecting women and youth most severely. To combat these challenges, Maloyi highlighted the province’s active engagement with major investors through two key events: the North West BRICS Investment Conference and the Premier’s Dinner at Sun City, both in 2023. These initiatives have led to 34 investment pledges totaling more than R104.1 billion, with 14 confirmed investment projects worth R13.5 billion in the pipeline for the Bojanala Special Economic Zone, expected to create an additional 10,000 jobs.
The tourism sector in the North West is also showing signs of recovery, with an increase in both domestic and international visitors between 2022 and 2023, contributing R6.9 billion in revenue and supporting 24,000 jobs. Maloyi announced efforts to revitalize the Pilanesberg and George Dick Montshiwa Airports to enhance tourism and open new economic opportunities in cargo, hangar, and airline services, with work by preferred bidders expected to start by May this year.
Furthermore, Maloyi pointed to the agricultural sector’s untapped potential, emphasizing the importance of emerging farmers’ participation. On economic policy, the Acting Premier noted the finalization of the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS), designed to guide broad economic policy and anchor interventions aligned with the National Development Plan 2030. The Premier’s Economic Advisory Council has been revitalized to support the strategy’s implementation and promote integrated economic planning.
The province has also focused on empowering the youth, with nearly 900 internships and learnerships provided in various sectors during this financial year. Maloyi announced plans to prioritize young people in upcoming infrastructure projects for the 2024/25 financial year. Additionally, women-led cooperatives and individuals are set to benefit from R1.4 million allocated for upskilling and business growth, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting women as the backbone of the provincial economy.