That number would be in the order of 8000 by the end of the financial year, said newly-appointed economic development MEC Nkosiphendule Kolisile.

"More needs to be done to achieve the provincial objectives of creating decent jobs and building a growing, inclusive economy," he said.

Kolisile was speaking to reporters in Johannesburg about the province's economic development plans and the various programmes and initiatives his department would be embarking on to achieve its goals.

Kolisile said the government needed to intervene in the small business and co-operative sector.

"It will go a long way in unlocking economic opportunities to foster job creation, economic growth and development."

He said his department would ensure the sector had improved access to funding, following a recent completion of its review on its funding model.

Empowering people with disabilities, establishing relations with business people and promoting Gauteng for tourism were other department initiatives.

Kolisile said the department would embark on an awareness drive in August to encourage women to take discounted offers and travel the province as part of Women's Month celebrations.

This would include supporting a Women’s Economic Development Conference, in partnership with Gauteng Progressive Women’s Movement of SA.