By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
28 February 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) caucus in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) has welcomed measures announced by the North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, in his 2025 State of the Province Address (SOPA) delivered on Thursday to stimulate rural economies through infrastructure development in order to tackle unemployment and create the much-needed jobs.
The ANC Chief Whip in the North West Provincial Legislature, Motlalepula Rosho on behalf of the caucus said, the SOPA pronouncements give them hope that the revitalisation of village and township economies will translate into empowerment programmes for the benefit of the mostly young people burdened by joblessness in order to defuse the ticking time-bomb of youth unemployment.
“Mokgosi was frank in acknowledging challenges facing communities and outlining a responsive Programme of Action (POA) to address them and accelerate service delivery.
“We welcome the collaboration between the provincial government and private sector to unlock expertise and funds to leverage needed investment to finance productive economic infrastructure, such as roads and water infrastructure,” she emphasised.
Rosho further said the 7thadministration’s relentless pursuit of restoring institutions, dismantling corruption, and spearheading economic recovery demands unequivocal commendation and support. She added that the ANC caucus commends the provincial government’s efforts to rebuild as well as expand the economy and create a virtuous cycle of investment, growth and jobs for the unemployed that she identified as a top priority.
“The ANC stands undeterred in its commitment to safeguard the hard-won gains of democracy and propelling the province of the North West towards a future defined by opportunity and equality.
“The objective and resolve to change the agricultural landscape through sustainable development of historically marginalised farmers will go towards financial inclusion and economic growth in the sector,” said Rosho.
She said progress in negotiating the acquisition of water sources with stakeholders and the establishment of professionally managed, ring-fenced utilities for water services to assist in ensuring that there can be adequate provision and maintenance of this public service, which is essential to the survival of our communities.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) caucus leader in the North West Provincial Legislature, Feddy Sonakile said: “During the State of the Province Address (SOPA) in the North West Provincial Legislature yesterday, Mokgosi once again delivered a speech loaded with empty promises and a total lack of vision. Saying a lot without saying much at all.
“As expected, Mokgosi is still stuck on the same track as all his predecessors, with no new, innovative plans to restore the economy. Speaking of donations, schemes, and programs, holding the residents hostage as they remain dependent on the government due to unemployment.”
Sonakile said Mokgosi mentioned thousands of jobs through Expanded Public Works, Community Health Workers, and Community Works and Labour Activation Units. He asked where are these jobs, as this province has the highest unemployment rate in the country?
“Merely duplicating the hollow promises from previous SOPAs clearly indicates that this province has seen no progress over the last few years and fosters no confidence in the future of North West.
“The Premier bragged about two improved municipalities, Bojanala and Dr Kenneth Kaunda, but there was no mention of the plan to rescue the other 20 municipalities that remain stagnant and keep regressing,” said Sonakile.
He said many of the municipalities in the North West face total collapse. Sonakile said yesterday’s speech was nothing, but a smokescreen for an incompetent and incapable North West government that does not really care about the residents as much as they do their own pockets.
The Guardian 