Programme Director,
Members of the Provincial Executive Council,
Executive Mayors and Mayors present here today,
Chairperson and Executive Management of Construction SETA,
Executive and Senior Management of the North West Provincial Government,
Bagaetsho Dumelang,
It is a great honour and privilege to join you today for the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding between the North West Provincial Government and Construction SETA.
This occasion marks an important milestone in our collective efforts to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing our province and country – unemployment, particularly among young people, women, and persons with disabilities
Today, we are not merely signing a document. We are establishing a strategic partnership that seeks to create opportunities, build skills, and empower our people to participate meaningfully in the economy.
The construction sector remains one of the key drivers of economic growth and job creation.
Through targeted skills development programmes, apprenticeships, learnerships, artisan training, and workplace-based learning opportunities, we can equip our citizens with the competencies required to access employment and entrepreneurship opportunities within this sector.
As the Provincial Government, we are deeply concerned by the high levels of unemployment affecting our communities.
Young people continue to face significant barriers to entering the labour market.
Women often encounter limited access to economic opportunities, while persons with disabilities remain underrepresented in skills development and employment programmes.
This Memorandum of Understanding demonstrates our shared commitment to changing this reality.
Through this partnership, we seek to achieve the following;
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.
This partnership aligns with the priorities of government to build a capable workforce, stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty, and promote social inclusion.
It further supports our vision of creating a province where every citizen has an opportunity to contribute to and benefit from economic development.
The success of this agreement will depend on effective implementation, accountability, and ongoing collaboration among all stakeholders.
We therefore call upon government departments, municipalities, industry partners, training providers, and community organisations to work together to ensure that the intended beneficiaries are reached and supported.
To the young people of our province, we want to say that your future matters. This partnership is designed to open doors for you and provide pathways to meaningful employment and self-employment.
To women, we reaffirm our commitment to increasing your participation in sectors traditionally dominated by men and ensuring equal access to opportunities.
This commitment also goes to persons with disabilities, particularly as we strive to create an inclusive growth and developmental economy where your talents, skills, and contributions are recognised and valued.
Bagaetsho, today’s signing ceremony is a demonstration of what can be achieved when institutions work together with a common purpose.
Together, we can build a skilled, productive, and empowered workforce capable of driving the development of our province.
On behalf of the North West Provincial Government, I wish to express our sincere appreciation to Construction SETA for this partnership and for investing in the future of our people.
Let us now move forward with determination and urgency to implement the commitments contained in this Memorandum of Understanding and deliver tangible outcomes for the people of North West.
I thank you.
