North West targets unemployment with massive infrastructure drive

By Bonolo Molatlhegi

A sense of anticipation filled the chamber of the North West Provincial Legislature on Thursday morning as Members of the Provincial Legislature, invited guests and officials gathered for the 2026 State of the Province Address.

At exactly 10:00 on 26 February 2026, premier Lazarus Mokgosi stepped to the podium, laying out an ambitious roadmap for the year ahead, with unemployment and job creation firmly at the centre of his address.

From the public gallery to the floor of the House, conversations hushed as the Premier began detailing the province’s employment outlook and economic recovery plan.

Mokgosi announced that, according to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey, the province created 78 000 jobs in the last two quarters of 2025. The figure, he said, contributed to a 6.2 per cent drop in official unemployment, the largest decline recorded nationally during that period.

“We are encouraged by the recent labour figures which confirm that 78 000 jobs were created in the last two quarters of 2025, reducing unemployment by 6.2 percent. In the year ahead, we will intensify infrastructure projects, accelerate investment initiatives and expand youth-focused programmes to ensure that more residents of the North West access sustainable work,” Mokgosi said.

Infrastructure development emerged as a cornerstone of the province’s employment drive.

Contractors are expected to be on site from April for upgrades to the Kromkruil and Lebotlwane-to-Tlholwe roads in Moretele, with construction set to begin in the new financial year.

Meanwhile, more than R700 million has been allocated over four years for the rehabilitation of the Swartruggens-to-Magaliesberg corridor, a critical route expected to strengthen both freight logistics and commuter movement.

A memorandum of understanding with the Central University of Technology is also anticipated for a province-wide pothole repair project targeting 7 000 unemployed youth. The Department of Public Works and Roads will procure asphalt to drive the initiative forward.

The province is also moving to revitalise the Bojanala Special Economic Zone, anchored by investments valued at R12 billion. The initiative is projected to generate an estimated 12 000 additional jobs in the 2026/27 financial year.

Mokgosi further noted that, over the past two years, more than 70 000 work opportunities were created through the Expanded Public Works Programme. In addition, over 4 500 community healthcare workers have been absorbed into permanent employment, while funding has been set aside for the appointment of more than 100 additional health professionals.