The North West Provincial Skills Development Forum is anticipated to accelerate growth and progress across the province.
The Premier’s Office Director General, Paul Mogotlhe opened the Forum’s induction session in Sun City, near Rustenburg.
Mogotlhe used his address to reiterate the significance of bridging the skills gap in the province.
“Without a skilled workforce we cannot grow our economy, reduce unemployment or fight poverty and inequality. Through this Forum we want to ensure that the people of the North West have access to quality skills that improve their employability and entrepreneurship,” said Mogotlhe.
He expanded more on the issue of entrepreneurship and called for a diversified approach to bolster business activity in the province.
“I think for a long time we have focused on employment, but it is time to also specifically target the development of skills that encourage entrepreneurship. That people can open their businesses, and we can support them as a government which in turn will result in them employing more people, particularly young people,” Mogotlhe added.
The DG expressed concern regarding North West recording the highest unemployment rate in the first quarter of 2025 as reported by Stats SA.
The Forum has its sights set on harnessing skills in Agriculture, Engineering, Mining and Tourism sectors, which it believes will yield practical results towards the province’s economic growth.
