Limpopo Business 2016-17 edition
The 2016/17 edition of Limpopo Business is the eighth issue of this highly successful publication that, since its launch in 2007, has established itself as the premier business and investment guide to the Limpopo province. Limpopo is unique in terms of its abundant natural and human resources, and is also one of the key drivers behind the South African economy. This edition of Limpopo Business is officially endorsed by the Office of the Premier of Limpopo.
The 2016/17 edition of Limpopo Business is the eighth issue of this highly successful publication that, since its launch in 2007, has established itself as the premier business and investment guide to the Limpopo province.
Limpopo is unique in terms of its abundant natural and human resources, and is also one of the key drivers behind the South African economy.
This edition of Limpopo Business is officially endorsed by the Office of the Premier of Limpopo.
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FOCUS<br />
Skills development a<br />
priority of youth-focused initiatives<br />
The Provincial Government of <strong>Limpopo</strong> is determined to improve the prospects of young<br />
people in the region.<br />
Given the South African demographic profile, with an estimated<br />
36.2% of the total population between 15 and<br />
34 years of age, youth development is a priority issue for<br />
government entities nationwide. This includes the provincial<br />
government of <strong>Limpopo</strong>. With <strong>2016</strong> marking 40 years since the<br />
Soweto uprising, projects undertaken during this year have taken on<br />
a particular significance.<br />
The Youth Directorate in the Office of the Premier is involved with<br />
a number of interventions to improve the prospects for young people<br />
in <strong>Limpopo</strong> Province. A number of these programmes and projects<br />
relate to education.<br />
Improved opportunities for education<br />
and skills development<br />
In 2015 the <strong>Limpopo</strong> provincial government announced the re-opening<br />
of the Madzivhandila and Tompi Seleka agricultural colleges. These<br />
colleges have already begun to make an impact in skills development<br />
in the agricultural sector.<br />
A particular highlight for <strong>2016</strong> was the opening of the first medical<br />
school in the province. Sixty students were enrolled for the first<br />
year of training at the medical school attached to the University<br />
of <strong>Limpopo</strong> and these students were offered full bursaries by the<br />
provincial government.<br />
In order to encourage the development of skills of a different kind,<br />
the provincial government has identified a site for the location of a<br />
theatre, which will provide a platform for young people to showcase<br />
their talents and acquire performing arts skills.<br />
Promoting entrepreneurship<br />
Young people in the province are also encouraged to develop entrepreneurial<br />
and business skills. In June <strong>2016</strong>, the Office of the Premier<br />
partnered with local commercial radio station, Capricorn FM, in hosting<br />
a youth seminar. The seminar highlighted opportunities for young<br />
people in the agri-business sector.<br />
During an address to young<br />
people participating in <strong>2016</strong><br />
Youth Day celebrations, Premier<br />
Mathabatha reminded those present<br />
of the national interventions<br />
designed to assist youth-owned<br />
businesses. He made particular<br />
reference to the Department of<br />
Small <strong>Business</strong> Development,<br />
which is implementing a variety<br />
of programmes to uplift small<br />
businesses, particularly those<br />
that are owned by young people.<br />
Youth-owned co-operatives<br />
can access financial support up<br />
to R350 000 through the Cooperative<br />
Incentive Scheme<br />
in the Department of Small<br />
<strong>Business</strong> Development.<br />
Access to information<br />
As part of <strong>Limpopo</strong>’s Youth Month<br />
activities, MEC Ramathuba officially<br />
opened the fully equipped<br />
Eldorado Youth Centre outside<br />
Senwabarwana. This centre will<br />
enable members of the community<br />
to access the Internet and<br />
valuable information such as<br />
employment opportunities and<br />
bursaries or details on applying<br />
to tertiary institutions.<br />
93 LIMPOPO BUSINESS <strong>2016</strong>/<strong>17</strong>
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