Government to re-industrialise North West economy: Ndabeni

The Minister for Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni, says the national government will implement several interventions to re-industrialise the economy of the North West to drive job creation. Ndabeni made these remarks during the handover of the Mahikeng Digital Innovation Hub.

The North West is the province with the highest unemployment rate, with more than half of its population without jobs.

Ndabeni says the government will continue with its efforts to drive inclusive economic growth and unlock new opportunities.

“When we build factories now to process the mines that are found here, it means we will be able to assist them to get the jobs. That’s why at the centre it’s not only the incubations that we are putting but also the partnership with the Department of Education and higher training to say there should be skills that are relevant to open those factories. That’s one intervention. We will also be providing a township hub in one of the townships identified by them; there we are going to have different groupings of entrepreneurs now being able to have access to the market,” says Ndabeni.

Meanwhile, the launch of the hub is expected to assist communities and entrepreneurs with skills development, adapting to the changing technological world and creating jobs.

Some local entrepreneurs are equally excited about the initiative.

“I have gained knowledge of what my business is required to be able to do and also market exposure. I have been able to understand what a businessman is and what’s needed from me, and also it has also given me the opportunity to have resources,” says one local entrepreneur.

“One of the things that I am getting here is the knowledge of how to navigate the business here in Mahikeng because it’s a tech hub as well. I have a tech business, so it’s helping me with resources,” says another local entrepreneur.