The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in South Africa creates shortterm job opportunities and delivers essential services, such as sanitation and infrastructure projects. It has positively impacted the lives of those who were previously jobless and provides a consistent income stream to sustain their families. The program also focuses on skill development and transitioning workers into permanent positions within the program. The EPWP has been instrumental in empowering and transforming individuals, demonstrating the city’s dedication towards creating jobs and preserving livelihoods.
South Africa and China have a thriving partnership that has developed over the past 25 years, resulting in significant economic growth and the creation of over 400,000 jobs in South Africa. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is part of a wider 10year Strategic Programme of Cooperation that emphasizes socioeconomic enhancement and shared growth. These vibrant trade relations address poverty, inequality, and unemployment, promoting engaged citizenship and social contracts aimed at achieving development objectives. South Africa celebrates three decades of democracy and freedom, promoting a shared vision for quality growth.
Cruise tourism has a significant impact on the Western Cape’s economy in South Africa, contributing around R1.2 billion in the last fiscal year and expected to bring more economic benefits with an influx of around 90,000 passengers and 38,000 crew members in the current year. The industry also creates job opportunities, with every 30 cruise passengers creating approximately one fulltime job. The geopolitical climate and return tourism are some of the factors driving traffic towards South African ports, such as Durban’s Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal.
Cape Town has launched Jobs Connect, a recruitment platform that aims to connect job seekers with potential employers in the city. The service offers work readiness training and a digital evaluation of numeracy and literacy skills, and has already attracted over 100,000 users. The initiative has been earmarked for a significant R5.5m budget, and is aimed at reducing the financial burden of job hunting and creating new opportunities in sectors such as call centres, hospitality, manufacturing and retail.
The Hydrant Initiative is a project that provides job opportunities to job seekers while maintaining the functionality of the city’s fire hydrants. 26 job hopefuls receive extensive training from skilled artisans, and five job hopefuls with a valid code B license are employed as drivers and supervisors. This initiative ensures the safety of the city’s fire hydrants and provides practical training, fortifying job prospects. The project is a dualfaceted strategy that acknowledges the twofold objective of preserving the city’s fire hydrants and creating job opportunities for jobseekers.
Cape Town’s call centre industry expansion is creating thousands of job opportunities and driving economic growth. The Day of a Thousand Opportunities event opened the industry to over 2,000 individuals, offering them the chance to interview, participate in skills building programmes, and gain potential entry into permanent positions. The BPO sector in Cape Town has proven to be successful, solidifying the city’s reputation as a hub for investment and job openings in expanding industries. The initiative demonstrates the city’s dedication towards establishing an inclusive and equitable society.
Cape Town has defied economic challenges and displayed remarkable resilience and growth, adding 205,000 new jobs and recording a 3.8% annual decrease in unemployment, the lowest among the eight metros. The city’s government is focused on sustainable economic growth that generates jobs, offering training support for entrepreneurs and small business owners, and providing incentives for ease of doing business. Cape Town also remains a bustling tourist hotspot, further enhancing its regional economy and contributing to national economic growth.
Revolutionizing South Africa’s Energy Crisis: Premier Mxolisi Dukwana Leads Landmark Free State Summit for a Sustainable Tomorrow
The South African province of Free State, led by Premier Mxolisi Dukwana, is preparing for a groundbreaking Energy Security Summit taking place in Bloemfontein on November 2, 2023. With its theme “Energizing the Future,” the summit strives to discover lasting energy answers and stimulate economic growth by encouraging cooperation between the government, higher education institutions, and private businesses. Over 500 delegates are anticipated to attend, providing an exceptional chance for specialists, academics, policymakers, and potential financiers to participate in productive discussions and establish partnerships for a cleaner, more thriving tomorrow.
Smile FM, a radio station based in Cape Town, has launched a bold initiative to uplift thousands of families during the upcoming holiday season. Their objective is to assist 10,000 unemployed individuals in finding meaningful employment by December 25, 2023, in response to South Africa’s high unemployment rates.
South Africa’s economic challenges have been met with success in the Western Cape, which has become a beacon of hope for job creation. According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey by Statistics South Africa, the region has outperformed all other provinces. The Western Cape generated a remarkable 368,000 jobs between the second quarter of 2022 and the same period in 2023, marking a 15.7% increase in employment yearonyear, surpassing Gauteng.
The Western Cape’s tourism industry has shown impressive resilience amidst the pandemic. The sector has surpassed prepandemic levels of tourist arrivals, playing a vital role in job creation in the region. Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) has experienced significant growth in international twoway passengers, exceeding prepandemic levels by 104%. The Mother City’s recovery has outpaced the rest of South Africa, indicating a brighter future for Western Cape tourism.
In recent times, the Western Cape’s youth have been in the limelight. Premier Alan Winde proudly highlights the government’s dedication to empowering young talent. During a digital conference, six individuals who are a part of various Western Cape Government (WCG) programs shared their dreams and how these initiatives have played a significant role in their lives.
The South African government and organized business have joined forces to address critical economic challenges and promote inclusive growth and job creation. This groundbreaking collaboration involves the CEOs of the country’s largest companies, who are committed to pooling their skills and resources to tackle key priorities.
Western Cape’s R5 Million Export Booster Fund: A Major Step Towards Economic Growth and Job Creation
The Western Cape Government’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism has launched the Export Competitiveness Enhancement Programme (ECEP) to support businesses working towards export readiness and expand their presence in international markets. This move aims to boost economic growth and create employment opportunities, which aligns with the provincial Growth for Jobs Strategy.
The Eastern Cape Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has announced its transformative infrastructure development agenda, aimed at fostering hope and resilience amid socioeconomic challenges. With a budget of R2.5 billion for the 2023/24 financial year, the DPWI intends to become a ‘nerve centre’ for infrastructure development, delivery, coordination, and investment in the Eastern Cape.
The Tshwane City Centre has been facing various challenges over the years, including urban decay and socioeconomic issues. However, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s Salvokop mixeduse precinct development project aims to revitalize the city’s core and create an integrated, accessible environment for all its residents.