The premier used the opportunity to highlight some of the province’s recent successes in job creation, healthcare and education.

Modise noted that last year, she had set her government the target of creating 52 898 jobs for the 2011/12 financial year. “We have exceeded this target by 27 535 jobs, creating 80 433 jobs to date. We intend to work much harder to reach the 2014 target.”

Modise singled out the Dr Modiri Molema and Bojanala District Municipalities, applauding them for their efforts in job creation.

Turning to health, she noted that work on the Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital started in April last year and the project was expected to be completed this year.

“We will utilise the hospital revitalisation grant to upgrade Lichtenburg hospital and the nursing college, Brits staff accommodation; the Moses Kotane, Potchefstroom and Taung nursing colleges.”

Facilities at Mmabatho and Excelsius nurses training colleges are to be extended while the Buxton, Tweelingspan and Moshana clinics will be refurbished. Four community health centres will be constructed at Sikhing, Maquassi Hills, Mathibestad and Joubertina.

“We have come … from being amongst the worst run departments of health to being amongst the best run! We have won awards for a number of our hospitals as the cleanest hospitals,” she said, to much applause.

The aim now was to ensure that all the staff in the province’s clinics and hospitals improved their bedside manners and facilities were clean and safe.

The targets for voluntary tests were exceeded and the North West was the only province to marginally reduce the rate of HIV infections by 0. 4%, Modise added.

The province managed to retain its position as the third best performer when it comes to matric results, recording an improved matric pass rate of 77.8%.

“We thank our dedicated teachers, learners and parents for this achievement. We must invest energy, time and resources in education to fight against poverty and inequality,” Modise said.