“The state house was placed in the market but thus far no buyer has been secured”
THERE has been no takers for the Northern Cape Provincial Government’s state house in Oliver Road.
During his State of the Province Address, Premier Zamani Saul said that he had indicated previously that the state house would be sold and the proceeds thereof will be redirected towards the Premier’s Bursary Trust fund.
“The state house was placed in the market but thus far no buyer has been secured,” Saul said.
“This administration’s priority is to ensure that government resources are not wasted or under-utilised, thus the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism is currently occupying the state house as their designated office accommodation.”
According to Saul, this has realised a savings of R624 000 per annum on rental by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism which would be directed to the bursary fund.
Elaborating on youth employment, Saul pointed out that the implementation of the CASP and Ilema Letsema Funding Programme had seen the creation of 726 work opportunities, mainly through infrastructure development and vineyard development.
“Young farmers have been deployed to various commercial enterprises for training and mentoring on established farms for a period of two years. The objective is to develop a pool of young producers and to provide a platform for active participation of youth in Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.
“During this period, commercial farmers are expected to transfer farming knowledge and skills to young graduates. Eighty (80) young graduates are employed at various commercial enterprises for this purpose.”
A total of 366 bursaries have been awarded in the Province this year by the state, SETAs, government departments and the Premier’s Trust Fund. In addition to this 6 418 TVET students were awarded bursaries through NSFAS.