Targeted skills programmes in partnership with the private sector have led to the creation of thousands of jobs in key growth sectors like tourism, clothing, and BPO in the Western Cape, demonstrating the effectiveness of strategic collaboration amid economic challenges.
Western Cape, South Africa (24 December 2023) – In the eight months between the beginning of April and the end of November 2023, targeted skills programmes, run by the Western Cape Government’s (WCG) Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), in partnership with the private sector, resulted in 2 772 jobs for previously unemployed young people in the Western Cape in key strategic and targeted growth sectors.
In addition, the post-pandemic growth of the tourism sector has been notable. Between 2021 and 2022, 154,442 tourism jobs were created in the province, bringing the total number of jobs supported by this sector to an impressive 214,909 jobs.
“In just three sectors in the Western Cape, we have seen the creation of nearly 160,000 [157,214] jobs since 2021. This achievement has not happened by chance, and is the result of hard work, strategic support, and critical partnerships with the private sector to support and enable business to do what they do best – create jobs” said provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger.
“I am extremely proud of the work done by DEDAT. Together with the private sector, we are getting the most out of every cent of public funds, by enabling job creation in the province, in spite of the current tough economic climate and a fiscal crisis that has resulted in unprecedented in-year budget cuts. The thousands of jobs being created are a true testament to the power of partnerships between the public and private sectors, for the benefit of all residents” continued Minister Wenger.
The key outcomes of the targeted programmes within DEDAT this year have included:
- Skills training and placement programmes in the clothing and textiles sector which created jobs for 402 previously unemployed youths;
- A partnership with Airports Company South Africa to train and place 124 previously unemployed youths at the Cape Town International Airport to assist with providing information services to travellers, and help process passengers in peak times; and
- Working with the thriving Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector to upskill and place 2 196 previously unemployed youths in full-time employment opportunities in the sector, work which continues throughout the festive season.
“2023 has been a year of jobs and growth in the Western Cape. However, without a growing pool of talent, we cannot hope to take full advantage of the immense potential of our economy or give our young people the opportunities they need to succeed. This sentiment forms a core part of the Western Cape Government’s ‘Growth for Jobs’ economic action plan.”
“This is why we will continue to work hard with our partners and stakeholders across all levels of government, our international partners, and investors, and across the private sector, to invest in the right qualifications, skills, and experience for jobs available this year and in the future. We can create many more jobs and opportunities for a better future for everyone in our province” concluded Minister Wenger.
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How has the Western Cape managed to create hundreds of thousands of jobs and foster economic growth?