​Lerato Mailoane
Gauteng remains committed to eradicating unemployment by being open for business and dedicated to creating a conducive environment for business.
That's according to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who addressed lawmakers during the State of the Province Address at Change Bible Church in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, on Thursday evening.
"In a drive to accelerate our response to unemployment, we will partner with the private sector to bring new innovative solutions and execute high-impact job creation initiatives across priority sectors and programmes."  
The premier's SOPA is the second of the year, signalling the start of the 7th administration.
The premier said Airports Company South Africa will invest just under R6 billion in the next four years, positioning O.R Tambo International Airport globally competitive and allowing it to accommodate 750 000 tonnes of Cargo annually.
Vodacom has committed to invest R3 billion in ICT network infrastructure in Gauteng, advancing digital connectivity across the economy.
Lesufi welcomed the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition's recent announcement about the Vaal Special Economic Zone.
"Citibank has pledged a substantial amount of R1.4 billion to develop a new infrastructure project in the Vaal area, including a significant new international airport". 
In addition, Heineken Beverages will invest R3 billion in Gauteng in the next three years, which will include a mastery plant, a mega plant (sorting and packaging), and Enterprise and Supplier Development.
Lesufi said this project will create over a thousand jobs. 
Transnet Pipelines have proposed the construction of the PL6 Pipeline, extending from Jameson Park in Heidelberg to OR Tambo International Airport, to address the anticipated Jet Fuel shortages by 2028 due to insufficient supply capacity from Sasolburg.
The project, with an estimated cost exceeding R800 million and a completion target of May 2028, is vital for securing the airport's fuel supply, particularly against risks such as major floods or rail disruptions. 
In keeping with the spirit of partnering with the private sector, Lesufi said the province will soon launch the ABSA partnership valued at more than R200 million to expand SMME access to affordable funding. 
In addition, to implement the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP), 15 Gauteng smallholder Grain Farmers have been approved for funding of about R70 million in partnership with Land Bank and PepsiCo.
To create employment, Lesufi said government will sign Memorandum of Agreement (MOAs) totalling about R55 million with 8 commercial farming entities operating across different subsectors.
"These include sunflower processing, poultry farming, hydroponic vegetable farming, rooftop farming and retail. These commercially oriented projects will contribute to sustainable employment creation, food security and sector transformation."
He also announced the Ukuvuselela Project, a High-Capacity Freight Rail project between Tshwane and Port Elizabeth, which will be launched.
"The Gauteng economy will solidify and maintain its leading position in the manufacturing and automobile industries. It is envisaged that Project Ukuvuselela will result in nearly 4000 construction jobs and just over 1000 permanent operations jobs."
 The Limpopo Gauteng speed train is expected to create over 18000 jobs during construction.
The province will accelerate infrastructure investment by investing 120 billion in the expansion of Gautrain to the following areas: Soweto via Fourways, Mamelodi, Atteridgeville, Lanseria, and Springs.
"This expansion is expected to create over 125 000 jobs during construction over five years. The bid to construct these lines closes at the end of October this year."
The premier said the province will invest R2.3 billion to roll out a stable GPN network and ICT connectivity across Gauteng, providing Wi-Fi connectivity to hospitals, schools, and the 26 townships.
Lesufi said the national skills fund to re-skill almost 500 000 unemployed residents will commence in September.