Sedibeng – The Gauteng Provincial Government has committed to work with business to grow the economy.
Premier David Makhura said the provincial government will work with business to eliminate red tape, invest in critical infrastructure such as roads, as well as provide water and reliable energy.
On Thursday, Premier Makhura and MEC for Economic Development Lebogang Maile visited the Heineken plant in Sedibeng.
The provincial leaders were given an overview of how Heineken SA is contributing to the growth and sustainability of Gauteng’s economy.
The Premier and the MEC also toured the plant and interacted with staff and union representatives.
The provincial government and Heineken SA have committed to working together to provide opportunities for black emerging farmers to produce bali.
Premier Makhura is visiting various sectors across the province which have been identified by the provincial economic development plan to increase employment.
These sectors include the automotive and component industry, machinery sector, aerospace and aviation sector as well as the capital equipment manufacturers, particularly the mining manufactures.
“Our goal is to double the employment figures in each of the sectors that we have identified,” he said.
Premier Makhura said the provincial government is set to assist businesses set up companies in countries on the continent by using its diplomatic relations.
“We want to take South Africa’s capabilities into the continent. We are going to be promoting what South Africa does to expand the market for opportunities for our businesses,” Premier Makhura said.
Premier Makhura said he has a sense of hope that the challenge of unemployment can be addressed.
He said last year Heineken had increased its employment figures by 300 employees.
Legal and Corporate Relations Director Zodwa Velleman said Heineken SA is committed to the long-term growth, development and transformation in South Africa.
Velleman said Heineken SA has identified a project of water pumps in Limpopo’s rural villages which will ensure that communities have access to water.
Orange Corners is another initiative that has been identified by Heineken SA which will focus on the development of young entrepreneurs.
She said the company was already working with five black farmers to produce bali.
Heineken SA had also created 600 jobs with its direct service providers.
