MAHIKENG - Despite being rich in mineral resources and having significant agricultural potential, the North West is struggling to translate its economic opportunities into jobs.
Small businesses continue to battle to grow, while several businesses have closed their doors amid concerns over poor infrastructure and failing municipal services.
The province has one of the country’s highest labour underutilisation rates, with official unemployment climbing to 38.1% in the second quarter.
Business owners have repeatedly raised concerns that deteriorating infrastructure and unreliable municipal services are discouraging investment and limiting opportunities for job creation.
During eNCA’s election coverage, businesses and residents in Rustenburg, Mahikeng and Lichtenburg highlighted the impact of poor service delivery on local economic activity.
Experts have pointed to structural challenges, including municipal service delivery failures in areas such as Mahikeng, Ditsobotla, Rustenburg and Naledi, as obstacles to investment and economic growth.
The provincial government has introduced several interventions, including public employment services, labour centres and career fairs aimed at connecting job seekers with potential employers.
The Department of Employment and Labour has also worked with municipalities to address barriers in the labour market and improve access to employment opportunities.
Despite the province’s mineral wealth, unemployment has also been cited as one of the factors pushing some people towards illegal mining activities.