Donation future-proofs the youth

A technology company operating in the field of mine safety and productivity has donated R800 000 towards future-proofing the youth of Alexandra and surrounding townships.

Schauenburg Systems (Pty) Ltd, through its partnership with the Youth Employment Service (Yes), answered the call to ensure unemployed youth are equipped with these critical skills. This donation follows on the heels of Schauenburg‘s employment of 32 young people through their Yes partnership.

The donation will go towards the establishment and building of a digital lab that helps young and unemployed people to learn critical skills in the technology field that are currently driving the various spheres of commerce and industry in the country under the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Other co-founders of the digital lab include EOH, Microsoft and Juramani.

“The Fourth Industrial Revolution is real, and it’s here,” said Dieter Kovar, CEO of Schauenburg International-Africa Group. “The question remains though: Are we as a good corporate citizen future-proofing our workforce to make full use of technology and embrace 4IR with both arms? With this investment, we go beyond and also skill up the community.”

Thanks to the donation, the digital lab at the Netcare Ulusha Hub at Alex Mall, an innovative entrepreneurship facility established by Netcare together with Yes, will be able to offer courses aligned with the Fourth Industrial Revolution goals.

It is specifically located and designed to address youth employment and economic inclusion barriers. The hubs offer young people in the township the opportunity to develop their potential and turn their hopes and dreams into feasible economic opportunities. Once launched, young people will be able to learn graphic design, data capturing, interpersonal and organisational skills linked to personal assistant roles, as well as Microsoft Outlook and Teams.

Yes chief marketing and client officer Leanne Emery said, “Youth unemployment is a national crisis of epidemic proportions, and the formal sector cannot create employment at the scale that is needed. However, the Fourth Industrial Revolution has allowed us to leapfrog some of the obstacles and create opportunities that would not have been open to these youth 10 years ago.”

Participants who register at the hub are offered access to networks, training, markets, work opportunities, ideas for careers or new businesses, and the necessary partner support.

The hub already boasts a culinary academy, a 3D printing facility, Termite Labs, and a textile manufacturing facility, Hluvuko Designs, which recently landed a massive order for maternity bags from private hospital operator, Life Healthcare.