Ambitious Lesufi fails to deliver employment opportunities
19 April 2023
Despite the rising unemployment rate in Gauteng, particularly amongst our youth, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s office is failing to meet its job creation targets as set out in the Growing Gauteng Together 2030 policy document.
As part of the Township Economy Revitalisation plan 80 000 jobs were meant to be created through the infill residential and commercial development programmes, but so far, only 14 have been created. This programme is a partnership between the Township Economy Partnership Fund, the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller and the Industrial Development Corporation.
Furthermore, 20 000 jobs were meant to be created through the Township Retail Programme; however, only 7 504 jobs have been created. This programme supports SMMEs in the township economy in the Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), backyard real estate upgrading, manufacturing, retail and the taxi economy.
This information was revealed in the third quarterly report for the Office of the Premier for the 2022/2023 financial year.