Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism
(1) What are the job targets of each provincial department and entity in the Growth for Jobs Strategy;
(2) whether these job targets have been signed off by the respective provincial Ministers and heads of departments; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) (a) when is the reporting about the performance of each provincial department and entity on the job targets expected, (b) to whom are these reports submitted for consolidating and auditing or verification and (c) what are the (i) details and (ii) evidence where reporting has started and auditing thereof taken place;
(4) (a) when is the Township or Small Towns (Dorpies) and Informal Economy Strategy being developed to augment the Growth for Jobs Strategy, (b) which programme is responsible for this and (c) what is the budget allocated to it?
response
(13) (1 & 2)
- What are the job targets of each provincial department and entity in the Growth for Jobs Strategy;
- whether these job targets have been signed off by the respective provincial Ministers and heads of departments; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
The Western Cape Growth for Jobs Strategy aims to expand the economy to R1 trillion by 2035, potentially creating 600 000 to 1 000 000 additional jobs. Given this, the leadership have set a goal for 800 000 jobs by 2035. Economic growth and job creation will be driven by the collaborative efforts of all government levels, primarily through firm-level activities such as investment and exports. Within the context of the Growth for Jobs Strategy, the emphasis is not on direct job creation, but on stimulating the economy through creating an enabling environment and stimulating growth through investment and market access. The Western Cape Growth for Jobs Strategy as well as related government departments and entities therefore do not set specific job targets, as job creation occurs organically across the economy as a result of economic growth, and employment is primarily a function of private sector. The role of the Western Cape Government through the Growth for Jobs Strategy is to facilitate this job creation by private sector.
Government actions, including enhanced energy security and reliable infrastructure, will unlock growth and job opportunities over time. Infrastructure projects, which often take years to complete, play a crucial role in this process. For instance, improved roads enhance logistical connectivity, granting firms better access to new markets, boosting efficiency, and increasing regional competitiveness. This creates an environment in which private firms expand, leading to greater employment
- (a) when is the reporting about the performance of each provincial department and entity on the job targets expected, (b) to whom are these reports submitted for consolidating and auditing or verification and (c) what are the (a) details and (ii) evidence where reporting has started, and auditing thereof taken place
- (a & b) Detailed progress on the Western Cape Growth for Jobs Strategy projects is reported through multiple channels, albeit not on job creation (see reply to 13 (1 & 2)). The first annual Growth for Jobs report is submitted to Cabinet, and regular Cabinet meetings are held to directly assess the progress of these projects. Many of these initiatives are included in the Annual Performance Plan of Western Cape Government departments and their entities. The initiatives form part of the quarterly performance reporting system which tracks the Annual Performance Plans and this reporting system is rigorously verified internally. The Annual Performance Plan and the Quarterly Performance Reporting System form part of the Annual Financial Report process of departments, which are externally audited by the Auditor-General. In recent years, the Auditor-General extended its audit to include the performance information auditing, which would include Growth for Jobs projects.
(c) (I & ii) Reporting on Growth for Jobs Strategy projects has commenced. Evidence of this reporting and subsequent auditing is included in the Annual Financial Report of the relevant departments. For example, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) has reported on Growth for Jobs Strategy related projects in its annual report for 2023/24.
- (a) when is the Township or Small Towns (Dorpies) and Informal Economy Strategy being developed to augment the Growth for Jobs Strategy, (b) which programme is responsible for this and (c) what is the budget allocated to it?
- (a) The Township Strategy has been drafted and is supported by the Growth for Jobs Strategy.
(b) The Programme 2: Integrated Economic Development Services (IEDS), of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, is responsible in the main for the Township Strategy, however the initiative is supported across the Western Cape Government.
(c) Given that the strategy is supported across the Western Cape Government budgets are shared with other initiatives.
