By STAFF REPORTER
10 June 2026- Over 4000 young people, women and people with disabilities across the North West are expected to benefit from a three-year programme which will harness their skills to enter the job market. This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi and Construction SETA in Mahikeng.
Mokgosi said the initiative forms part of the province’s ongoing efforts to tackle unemployment in the province. He further said it will be confined within the built environment sector to assist the province address unemployment through skills development in architecture, civil engineering, town planning, quantity surveying and construction management among others.
“Through the creation of strategic partnerships with various stakeholders in the skills development sector the province seeks to empower the most vulnerable stratums in the province to participate meaningfully in the economy.
“The provincial government has identified the construction sector to drive the provincial economy and create jobs as averred in the Growth and Development Strategy,” he said.
Mokgosi further said as the provincial government, they are deeply concerned by the high levels of unemployment affecting the communities. He added that women and youth often encounter limited access to economic opportunities, while persons with disabilities remain underrepresented in skills development and employment programmes.
“This MoU demonstrates our shared commitment to changing this reality. The MoU seeks to expand access to accredited skills development programmes within the construction and built environment sector by increasing participation of youth, women and persons with disabilities in learnerships, apprenticeships, internships, and artisan development programmes.
“We appreciate Construction SETA for recognizing the potential of our province and for partnering with us in advancing skills development initiatives that will improve the lives of our people,” said Mokgosi.
He said as the province forges ahead with this initiative, they have implored government departments, municipalities, industry partners, training providers and community organisations to work together to ensure that the intended beneficiaries are reached and supported.
Meanwhile, this sentiment was shared by the Administration of Construction SETA, Oupa Nkoana.
“This collaboration aligns with the priorities of government to build a capable workforce, stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty, and promote social inclusion,” he said.
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