You will be wondering how the Integrated Provincial Projects will affect the North West Province where there is presently no pilot project. The key lies in the word 'integrated'. As the name implies, the opportunities that derive from these projects aim at maximising opportunities in all provinces. The purpose of the pilot initiatives is to show how best we can achieve these opportunities. What we learn in the pilot projects must be put into practice throughout the country as soon as possible.
Integration is, indeed, a key feature of the new style of government.
President Thabo Mbeki has made it very clear that integrated development will be a cornerstone of macro-economic policies and practices. If we genuinely seek ways in which we can develop partnerships, and collaborate to mutual benefit, there is no doubt whatsoever that we can create a great many more jobs from our existing resource base. Another critical area identified at the Job Summit was that of training and the skills enhancement. As requested by the social partners, Parliament has passed the Skills Development Levies Bill to provide additional resources for this task. This money is being used to support training initiatives.