By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
Over 15 contracts worth a staggering R460 million were handed over to Mpumalanga enterprises in different sectors as part of the Labour Activation Programme by the Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, in an event held at Mbombela Stadium on Monday 31 March 2025.
Prior to the handover ceremony, the Department held an Employers Session alongside stakeholders from the private sector. The session served as a platform for employers, institutions and government departments that provide various services to the youth in particular, to engage and deliberate on matters of employment creation.
The funds will reportedly stimulate job creation for over 9 616 beneficiaries across the three Districts of Nkangala, Gert Sibande and Ehlanzeni, spanning over 11 municipalities.
In her keynote address, Meth said the Department is encouraged by the vision to afford job opportunities to the unemployed and innovative young people of Mpumalanga through skills training, work experience and job placement services, in the attempt to help participants transition into labour markets.
“ This LAP is our direct policy response to unemployment, affording job seekers opportunities to improve their employability and connect them to the world of work. We are encouraged by the voices of young people who, with their brilliant and innovative ideas, want to start their businesses and create employment instead of being job seekers. We need more entrepreneurs and small local businesses,” said Meth.
According to Meth, strengthening partnerships with the private sector will play a key role in creating more job opportunities and ensure that training programmes are relevant to industry needs.
She added that Labour Inspection and Blitzing will be made possible by a recruitment drive of 20 000 Labour Inspectors across the country to ensure workplace compliance, particularly targeting industries such as retail.
Meth also said that the high number of employers who employ non-documented foreign nationals will also be closely monitored. She said the contract come with a condition to guarantee jobs for beneficiaries, to ensure that beneficiaries are linked to employers, to recruit at least 70% beneficiaries.
The contracts will reportedly be broken down according to sectors such as construction, hospitality, ICT(Information Communication Technology), Multimedia, Services and Enterprises Development.
Speaking on behalf of the Province, Mpumalanga MEC for Economic Development and Tourism(Makhosazane Masilela) has appreciated the Ministry of Employment and Labour for the momentous contribution towards ensuring job opportunities for the people of Mpumalanga.
“ This session will assist in supporting some of the already existing provincial interventions geared towards creating jobs for the unemployed youth. The province has also collaborated with Takealot to assist young entrepreneurs who have products to sell. We have recently, through the Mpumalanga Tourism Youth Fund, in collaboration with the National Development Agency, awarded funding worth R3,6 million to 24 Tourism Youth Businesses in Mpumalanga,” said MEC Masilela.
The event was attended by scores of Mpumalanga residents as well as dignitaries from various sectors of society.
