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Job Creation and Sustainable Livelihoods top East Cape SOPA Agenda

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Eastern Cape Premier Phumulo Masualle says the province will focus on creating jobs and sustainable livelihoods in 2015.

The province has set a target to create 129 597 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) job opportunities and 37 000 through the Community Works Programme.

“We have to do this against an economic outlook characterised by… an economy that records one of the highest unemployment rates in the country… We are rising to the task of creating sustainable jobs for our people,” he said during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Bisho on Friday.

The unemployment rate in the province currently stands at 30.8%, while youth unemployment stands at 50%.

Premier Masualle said a total of 24 737 jobs, against a target of 13 234, have been created through economic agencies such as the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ), and the Coega Development Corporation (CDC).

The province is targeting 14 investments with the value of R2.237 billion in the two IDZs.

“As part of promoting the province as an investment destination of choice, we are developing an Investment Promotion Strategy aimed at creating an enabling environment for a vibrant economic growth in the province,” said the Premier.

In the 2015/16 financial year, the ECDC is expected to create 7 000 jobs opportunities, Coega 8 797 and ELIDZ 5 500.

Premier Masualle said in the coming year, jobs will be created in manufacturing, logistics, alternative energy, agro processing and services.

“In an effort to further enhance job creation, we will support 280 SMMEs and 70 cooperatives,” he said.

This will ensure active participation of previously disadvantaged sectors in the economy.

The province has in the past, through the Community Works Programme, created a total of 35 222 work opportunities. Similarly, through the EPWP, a total of 155 235 job opportunities were created against the planned 92 521.

Approximately 64% of the EPWP jobs benefited women, 39% benefited the youth and 1% benefited persons with disabilities. A total of 4 184 youths, out of a target of 3 678, have been trained through the Accelerated Professional & Trade Competency Development Programme and the National Rural Youth Service Corps.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.