Women and youth participation in mega projects is encouraged
CHIEF executive officers of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) have been urged to ensure more participation of women and youth in all mega projects undertaken.
This plea was made by Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Nomalungelo Gina, who was addressing the CEOs of the country’s SEZs last week.
'We must ensure women and the youth are benefitting either through employment at a construction phase or as subcontractors.
'This empowerment is in line with what we are emphasising as government.
'Statistics that you always furnish us with in terms of direct and indirect job creation, the contracts and subcontracts at construction phase must disaggregate clearly the women and youth numbers,' she said.
The deputy minister said they must be deliberate about gender impact, and be serious about youth employment and youth enterprise.
During her address, she commended the efforts of various SEZs, including the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ), in attracting investment and being committed to addressing challenges that affect investor operations.
'A few weeks ago, I met with the CEO and chairperson of Inyanza Light Metals, the largest investor at the Richards Bay IDZ, to listen to their challenges and requests for a railway line from the site connecting to the one leading to the port, and bulk water supply from the nearest dam or desalination plant.
'I have taken up these issues, including engaging the minister of water and sanitation,' said Gina.
She further commended progress in the construction of the multi-billion rand titanium dioxide plant.
'RBIDZ has completed the construction of phase 1 (the technical service centre) of Nyanza Light Metals (Pty) Ltd’s titanium dioxide plant which is valued at R130-million, and created
286 construction jobs.
'Once completed, the value of this investment will be R4.5-billion and is expected to create an estimated 550 direct jobs,' said Gina.