Werkskepping in Botshabelo: Fiksie of feit

Abstract

Research indicates that the labour force of Botshabelo has increased at a proportionally quicker rate than that of the RSA over a given period of time. This situation is however not an inherent characteristic of the economy of Botshabelo, but should be attrib­uted to factors such as, inter alia, an initial influx of people into the area, decentralisation incentives and the influence of commuter and migrant labour. The number of economically active persons who earn a living in Bot­shabelo is unacceptably low and it appears that the economy of the city as such is incapable of meeting the demand for local job opportunities. This can be attributed to inter alia a lack of linkage among industries, which is an indication of a poorly integrated economy. Planning for future growth and devel­opment in Botshabelo should occur within the context of development within the Bloemfontein-Botshabelo­Thaba Nchu (BBT) subregion. Any action which stimulates or inhibits the complementary nature of development in Bloemfontein, Botshabelo or Thaba Nchu, will have an influence on eco­nomic growth and development in Botshabelo.
*This article is written in Afrikaans.