Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane hails SASOL’s bridge to work programme as a major boost economy revitalization
31 August 2022The bridge to work programme initiated by gas giant, SASOL, is commended as a major boost for the economic revitalization in Mpumalanga. The training programme was launched in Secunda, targeting the youth and women, to enhance their skills for employment opportunities. The programme focuses on, among others, training for motor mechanics, farming techniques and marketing, welding and business digital services. Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Ms Thoko Didiza, Mpumalanga Premier, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane and MEC for the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA), Ms Busi Shiba were among the dignitaries in attendance.
Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane says the programme ties perfectly with government’s economic revitalization efforts, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated the socio-economic challenges in Mpumalanga. “We are currently hard at work to recalibrate the provincial economy, in response to these unfavourable economic conditions. As we accelerate the implementation of the Mpumalanga Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (MERRP), we pin our hopes on partners like SASOL, to render their unwavering support to our efforts to recalibrate the Provincial economy”, the Premier explained.
Mtshweni-Tsipane says the SASOL programme is timely, in light of training programmes initiated by the Provincial Government to improve the skills levels of the unemployed. She cited the Furniture Technology Incubator, among them. “We have invested into the Furniture Technology Incubator, established to train people in furniture manufacturing as well as upholstery. This will assist SMMEs to participate in the furniture manufacturing sector”, she expatiated.
The Premier expressed hope that designated communities, mainly the youth and women, will take advantage of the outcome of the public/private partnerships, such SASOL’s bridge to work. She referenced the SASOL Kraal farmers production programme as a case in point, to be linked with the envisaged Mpumalanga Agri-Mall, initiated by the provincial government. The Agri-Mall will create a market for emerging farmers, on completion.
ENDS...
Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
(A) Provincial Government’s Spokesperson:George Mthethwa
Tel: (013) 766 2242
Mobile: 083 302 2774
E-mail: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za