Nas'ispani: Province promises 100k jobs!

THE Gauteng government wants to create more than 100 000 jobs in five years.

This bold move was announced at the inaugural Gauteng Investment Conference on Thursday, 3 April.

Addressing the conference, on behalf of the province, Finance and Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile said the aim is to attract R800 billion in investment over five years, towards infrastructure development that will bolster provincial, South African and regional economy.

Maile pointed out that a total of 117 public-sector led projects has been identified in five development corridors of the Gauteng.

He said these corridors, which span key sectors infrastructure, energy, logistics, digital technology, housing and manufacturing, represent a cumulative investment value of R239,01 billion.

"From South Africa, we have received pledges amounting to R179 billion. From the US, we have pledges amounting to R51,4 billion. In the European Union, pledges have been received from France and Estonia, totalling just over R2,8 billion," said Maile.

"In addition to this, we have received pledges amounting to R30 billion from the United Kingdom and R650 million from Switzerland. Pledges from India amount to R4,9 billion, while those from Pakistan amount to R5 billion. From Australia, we have received pledges totalling R1,8 billion. Pledges received from China amount to R2 billion, while multi-national companies have pledged just over R34,7 billion."

ALSO READ | Tsotsotso killed while cleaning yardOpens in new window

Together, the corridors are expected to generate over 114 852 jobs, significantly boosting livelihoods across the province.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile commended plans to expand the Gautrain into Limpopo.

Delivering a virtual keynote address, he said the 420km high-speed rail line connecting Pretoria and Polokwane will increase financial viability.

"The Gautrain, a world-class rapid transit system, is a shining example of forward-thinking infrastructure investment. It is a rapid, efficient, and reliable public transport system that enhances the economic functioning of the Gauteng area and improves the quality of life for its users," said Mashatile.

He said the Integrated Transport Master Plan is already advanced in its implementation of programmes to integrate land use and transport planning in the Gauteng City Region, focusing on sustainable socio-economic development and job creation.

Mashatile pointed out that it continues to prioritise public, non-motorised, and efficient freight movement, addressing mobility and accessibility needs and accelerating digitisation.

He told the conference under the theme, "Investing in Gauteng", that Gauteng is and has always been a province with immense potential.

Mashatile said it's a place of rich cultural heritage, vibrant communities, and a thriving economy.

"It has many established industries, including automotive, finance, manufacturing, mineral beneficiation, agro-processing, and tourism," he said.

"The story of Gauteng's economic transformation is one of resilience, innovation, and strategic investment. From its humble beginnings as a mining hub in the late 19th century, Gauteng is today the industrial and technological hub of South Africa."

Mashatile added that the province contributes more than 34% to South Africa's Gross Domestic Product, making it the country's economic powerhouse.