OPINION: MEC Tony Rachoene: Empowering Youth and Advancing Infrastructure Development
The Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads, and Infrastructure under the stewardship of MEC Ernest Sebataolo “Tony” Rachoene has taken bold strides in positioning the province on a sustainable development path,” writes Dr Che Selane.
Through strategic partnerships and visionary leadership, the Department is not only accelerating road infrastructure development but also empowering the youth with practical skills and opportunities.
Two recent initiatives stand out: the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with TVET Colleges and the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with De Beers Venetia Mine. Together, these milestones reflect a deliberate commitment to inclusive growth, service delivery, and economic transformation.
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MEC Rachoene has placed young people at the center of the province’s development agenda. By signing MOUs with TVET colleges, the Department has created a framework for students to gain hands-on experience in engineering, construction, and infrastructure maintenance.
These partnerships will ensure that graduates are not confined to classrooms but are integrated into real-world projects that improve communities.
The initiative also speaks to a broader national goal of addressing youth unemployment. By equipping young people with technical skills and linking them to infrastructure projects, MEC Rachoene is nurturing a generation of skilled workers and entrepreneurs who will drive Limpopo’s economy forward. TVET colleges are being repositioned as engines of economic participation and empowerment, directly contributing to job creation and poverty alleviation.
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Equally what is ground-breaking is the strategic Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed between the Limpopo Provincial Government and De Beers Venetia Mine, marking a new chapter in public-private partnerships.
This collaboration aims to fast-track the delivery of critical road infrastructure in Blouberg Municipality and across the province, recognizing roads as vital roads of economic activity. The planned projects are set to unlock economic potential by connecting rural communities to markets, tourism hubs, and mining operations, while also improving mobility for residents, reducing travel times, and enhancing access to essential services such as healthcare and education.
Beyond infrastructure, the partnership strengthens service delivery by ensuring that government programs reach communities more effectively. By addressing longstanding infrastructure backlogs, this initiative showcases a forward-thinking model where private sector investment actively supports the developmental mandate of government.
MEC Rachoene’s leadership represents a blend of strategic vision and practical action. By empowering youth through education and skills while simultaneously driving infrastructure growth, he is tackling two of Limpopo’s most pressing challenges: unemployment and underdevelopment. His work embodies the principle that governance should not only address today’s problems but also build sustainable foundations for future generations.
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The work of MEC Ernest Sebataolo “Tony” Rachoene and the Department of Public Works, Roads, and Infrastructure is a clear demonstration of how bold leadership, strategic partnerships, and youth empowerment can converge to deliver meaningful change. The signing of MOUs with TVET colleges and the MoA with De Beers Venetia Mine are more than ceremonial agreements. They are catalysts for economic growth, social upliftment, and improved service delivery.
As these initiatives unfold, communities in Blouberg Municipality and across Limpopo stand to benefit from better infrastructure, expanded opportunities, and a future defined by inclusion and progress. MEC Rachoene has set the tone for developmental governance in the province, showing that when vision meets action, the results are transformative.
*Dr Che Selane is a legal scholar, former ANCYL Provincial Secretary, and Member of the Limpopo Provincial Legislature. He writes in his personal capacity.
