Another batch of new employees to be welcome by MEC Rachoene

Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure MEC Tonny Rachoene.

Limpopo MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure Tonny Rachoene has kept his promise of creating more jobs in the province.

Rachoene will on Tuesday unveil the second cohort of about 150 new employees at Nirvana Hall  on Tuesday 10am after employing 174 people permanently which he confirmed during his State of Province Address debate recently.

He said this was part of the 7th administration mandate given to him by Limpopo first female Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba to create jobs.

Rachoene said: “It is also important to highlight that these are just not numbers, but a work force which will translate directly to improved service delivery. As the seventh administration we understand well that there must be collaborative efforts between the government and the private sector to create jobs. We are seeing government departments and state-owned entities redoubling their efforts to respond to this call.”

“The Premier noted that Limpopo’s contribution to the national GDP has risen from 7.2% to 7.7%. This is a testament to our collective efforts in harnessing the province’s potential. However, with an unemployment rate of 31.9%, it is evident that economic growth must translate into job creation. The seventh administration is responding well to this challenge where it has prioritised job creation and growing the province’s economy.”

Rachoene said in alignment with the Premier’s vision for job creation his department launched the “Dikgerekgere Wednesday” service delivery project in July 2024. “This initiative focuses on grading, re-gravelling, and clearing roads across the province. Importantly, by the end of March we shall have created over 300 permanent jobs for unemployed youth, ensuring that our infrastructure projects also serve as catalysts for employment. By maintaining our roads, we not only improve transportation but also instil a sense of ownership and pride among our youth. This will further strengthen government capacity through our 36 cost centres,” MEC said.

He said however that his department has made significant progress in stabilising Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL). “We are putting efforts to make sure that we bring this entity back to its former glory. Safety on our roads remains a pressing concern. The R573 Moloto Road Corridor, for instance, has been notorious for accidents, affecting approximately 50,000 daily commuters. The ongoing upgrades by the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), expected to be completed by 2025, aim to transform this route into a safer passage for our people. Our collaboration with SANRAL exemplifies our commitment to enhancing road safety across Limpopo,” MEC Rachoene said.