More than 13 000 unemployed youth in Limpopo are set to benefit from a R462-million fund set aside by the national Department of Employment and Labour as part of a training and skill development programme across the province.
This was announced by Minister of Employment and Labour Nomakhosazana Meth during the Labour Activation Programme’s (LAP) handover event in Matsila village in the Collins Chabane Municipality in Limpopo.
Meth said the programme, which will be funded through the Unemployment Insurance Fund is targeting high-impact sectors, such as agriculture, agro-processing, mining-related trades, tourism, hospitality, construction and renewable energy, entrepreneurship and small business development.
She said they have already partnered with eight companies.
“The projects we are handing over today involve eight implementing companies across all districts of Limpopo.
In total, these projects will train and upskill over 13 000 beneficiaries with a total investment exceeding R446-million,” she said.
The companies tasked with this training include Edu-House South Africa, Green Development Foundation, K Boneng Consulting Services, Kaylord, Mahube Training & Development, Ponontle Consulting, Regen Technical Institute and Tsogo-Tlhago Trading Enterprise.
Meth said each of these companies are mandated to recruit at least 70% of beneficiaries from the Employment Services of South Africa system, a government job-matching platform.
“The government has spent the past three days registering job seekers in Limpopo to ensure equitable access, so let me be clear: this is public money, and it must reach the public.”
Meth stressed the programme should not be confused with a tender fest.
She said the training will vary from six months, 12 months and three years and it will cater to even those without matric with the stipend varying from R25 000-R300 000 per trainee over three years.
For unemployed 22-year old matriculant Avashoni Mulaudzi an opportunity like this will come in handy.
“I am staying with my parents who are not working, and three more siblings.
“We survive through the monthly Sassa grants, which is way too little for a family of six. I am looking forward to getting an opportunity in this government initiative to hit my luck as among those who can be given an opportunity.”
Another one, Rendani Ramabokela said he has done the right thing in terms of applying for this and he will just wait and see if he will make the list.
“I am as frustrated as thousands of other youth across the province who completed their matric and tertiary levels only to stay home with nothing.”
