Jobs, infrastructure and crime in focus at Western Cape SOPA in George

Update

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The sixth remotely hosted official opening of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament took place in Conville, George, yesterday evening. Premier Alan Winde delivered his address to members of the Provincial Legislature, local dignitaries and a full complement of media representatives from various publications, radio stations and broadcast teams.

Winde opened with a strong appeal for “genuine and meaningful acts of kindness” to counter growing division and polarisation locally and globally.

Interesting to note, Dr Willie Cilliers, former chair of the George Business Chamber and current chair of Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut (AHi), received public recognition for his role in supporting businesses across the Garden Route and helping to drive regional growth.

In his address, Winde also acknowledged Rupert Pretorius, coordinator of all 18 neighbourhood watches that fall under the policing area of the George Police. Pretorius, who has been involved in neighbourhood watch structures since 2013, was recognised for his role in assisting with crime prevention and helping to solve several cases across multiple precincts over the past year. Winde thanked neighbourhood watch members for their courage and dedication, describing them as the “eyes and ears” of their communities.

Here are 10 highlights from Winde’s State of the Province Address, which are currently under debate by opposition members at the Conville Community Hall:

Western Cape driving national job creation:

Nearly 90% of all net jobs created in South Africa over the past five years were created in the Western Cape (360,347 out of 404,712). A total of 93,000 jobs were created in the last quarter alone, with major gains recorded in trade (48,000), agriculture (22,000), construction (22,000) and manufacturing (13,000).

Lowest unemployment rate in SA:

The province’s unemployment rate has dropped to 18.1%, well below the national rate of 31.4%.

“Nothing stops a bullet like a job”:

Winde reinforced the link between economic opportunity and crime prevention. The Jobseeker Travel Voucher Programme will expand to George, including Thembalethu, Pacaltsdorp, Blanco and Lawaaikamp.

Small business growth surge:

Since 2022, the number of small businesses in the province has grown by 55%, compared to 18% nationally.

Major investment pipeline:

Five projects nearing financial close include:

R600 million in green hydrogen
R1.8 billion in manufacturing
R105 million in tech
R250 million in the green economy (EV)
R400 million in solar energy

Tourism boom continues:

Over 11 million two-way passengers travelled through Cape Town International Airport in 2025, marking its busiest December on record. George Airport recorded its best year yet in 2025, with nearly one million two-way passengers.

R152-billion infrastructure pipeline:

The province has developed a single integrated infrastructure pipeline, with 52 projects investment-ready.
Water security drive: The province is on track to secure an additional 310 million cubic metres of water by 2035, with major projects such as the raising of the Clanwilliam Dam wall underway.

Strong education results:

The Western Cape achieved its best-ever matric pass rate of 88.2%, with record improvements in mathematics and language at primary school level.

Tough stance on crime and policing:

Winde criticised national underinvestment in policing, highlighted resource shortages at stations such as Kraaifontein, and announced further provincial support, including legal assistance to strengthen criminal case dockets.

Premier Alan Winde (fifth from left), accompanied by District Mayor Marais Kruger (third from right), George Mayor Browen Johnson (third from left) and other dignitaries.