MATATIELE, South Africa — Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi has called on the Matatiele Local Municipality to engage with the farming sector as a strategy to revitalize the local economy. The minister's comments were made during an employer's breakfast session at the Jobs Fair, held in the Council Chambers of the municipality on Thursday.
According to South African Government News Agency, Nxesi emphasized the potential of the local farming community, proposing that established farmers could mentor emerging Black farmers to enhance agricultural productivity and food security. "They are a resource that you can use and pair them with up-and-coming Black farmers. We need people who are ready to farm, people who will deal with production and food security," Nxesi said during the session.
The minister stressed the importance of dialogue and partnership in tackling unemployment and fostering economic growth. He urged municipal officials to take an active role in managing the local economy and ensuring regulatory compliance. "In a partnership, there are certain dos and don'ts. If we want to take the country out of this misery of unemployment, we need to build partnerships," Nxesi explained.
Highlighting the significance of small businesses as key drivers of economic development and job creation, Nxesi also pointed to the Labour Activation Programme (LAP) as a government initiative aimed at transitioning job seekers into employment and entrepreneurship. He challenged the municipality to spearhead at least two new cooperative ventures to support local entrepreneurs.
The employer's breakfast was part of the Jobs and Careers Fair at the Maluti Civic Centre in Matatiele, which began on Thursday and is geared towards stimulating employment opportunities, particularly for the youth. The fair is supported by various partners including government departments, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), employers, and community organizations. It serves as a platform for hundreds of job seekers to gain access to information on available jobs, employment counseling, and training opportunities.