Gauteng premier Mbhazima Shilowa has reiterated the government`s commitment to developing smart industries and improving maths and science education in Gauteng, as part of the province`s five-year strategic programme to grow as an economic powerhouse.
Shilowa was speaking in Kyalami today at the opening of a two-day forum for local government players to discuss ways of making the province a "globally competitive city-region" and using ICT to help bridge the first and second economy.
While much of the provincial government`s focus will be on basic social services and infrastructure, the need to grow the ICT industry and introduce IT and Internet to all schools is also being looked at.
Shilowa said the five-year strategic programme aims to stimulate economic growth, and develop a skilled and productive workforce, among other things.
"Gauteng`s position as an economic powerhouse, contributing over one-third of the country`s GDP [gross domestic product] and one-tenth of Africa`s GDP, places enormous responsibility on us to optimise the economic growth and development in our province. While most of the country`s business headquarters are based in Gauteng, we are increasingly also becoming the starting point for international investors who wish to enter Africa," he said.
"Our growth and development strategy, which we will launch later this month, will be a centrepiece of our strategy to make Gauteng a globally competitive city region. Among the six key growth sectors and clusters in Gauteng that will be targeted for support and investment are smart industries, including ICT, and pharmaceuticals," he said.
"Improving the quality of school education must remain a top priority for our five-year term. A particular focus will be placed on the effective implementation of a multi-faceted mathematics, science and technology strategy. We also aim to move to a situation where all our learners take mathematics on higher grade.
"We will continue to equip public schools with computer laboratories linked to the cyber community via satellite by the end of 2006 as well as upgrade schools, build new ones and ensure all schools have access to water, sanitation and electricity."
Shilowa added that as a measure of accountability to the public, and in line with the approach adopted by national government, the Gauteng Provincial Government would publish quarterly updates on the Internet on progress in the programme`s implementation and the commitments outlined in the opening of the Legislature address.
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