Sun City: The Premier of the North West, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, has announced that the provincial government will work towards ring-fencing funding to support green economy initiatives aimed at creating sustainable jobs, promoting innovation, and unlocking economic opportunities for young people in the North West Province.
The Premier made the commitment while addressing delegates at the 11th Annual Green Youth Indaba held at Sun City, Moses Kotane Local Municipality. The two-day Indaba brought together government leaders, industry experts, development partners, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors and young people from across the North West and neighbouring provinces, to explore opportunities within the green economy and discuss practical solutions to environmental and socio-economic challenges.
Premier Mokgosi said the hosting of the Indaba in the province came at an opportune time, as the North West continues to grapple with high levels of unemployment, particularly among young people.
He noted that awareness about the opportunities presented by green economy initiatives, including waste management, recycling, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, must be intensified. Premier Mokgosi emphasised that the green economy is a critical sector that the provincial government must vigorously explore and invest in, as a means of driving economic growth and empowering the youth, women and persons with disabilities.
“As the provincial government, we are excited about this programme, and commit to supporting green economy initiatives by exploring mechanisms to ring-fence resources for programmes that drive inclusive growth and innovation,” said Premier Mokgosi.
The Premier further highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between government, the private sector and academic institutions amongst others, to ensure that young people are equipped with the skills required to participate meaningfully in emerging green initiatives.
He encouraged young people to seize opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, waste management, sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and green technology, stressing that these industries have the potential to become major drivers of economic growth and employment in the province.
The Green Youth Indaba is a platform for knowledge-sharing and engagement on opportunities in the green economy and solutions that promote sustainable development and job creation. It is hosted by Green Youth Network, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting youth development, entrepreneurship, and sustainable skills development within the green economy. The event is presented in partnership with government, private sector stakeholders and sponsors as part of a collective effort to advance youth empowerment and create opportunities for young people in the green economy.
This year’s 11th edition of the Indaba was held under the theme, “From Youth Innovation to Green Enterprise and Economic Impact”.
ENDS
Issued by the Office of the Premier
For enquiries, contact
Sello Tatai
Spokesperson to the Premier
North West Provincial Government
Cell: 064 756 2510 / 082 450 7842
E-mail: SITatai@nwpg.gov.za
OR
Brian Setswambung
Provincial Head of Communication
Office of the Premier
North West Provincial Government
Cell: 076 012 4501
E-mail: BSetswambung@nwpg.gov.za
