The public and private sector is coming together with the aim of reducing youth unemployment in Ekurhuleni.This follows the recent two-day career expo.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, Clr Thumbu Mahlangu, said the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) has set aside R26-million for bursaries and skills development programmes in the upcoming financial year.
Clr Mahlangu called upon the business sector to assist the metro to utilise this budget effectively by accepting young people into their companies’ graduate and training programmes.
“The scarcity of skills is a critical issue and government alone cannot empower the youth. The reality is, you can help by working closely with us in delivering on our plan to assist young people. This summit is the platform where we can discuss and come up with solutions to empower the youth,” he said.
Graduate placement and learnership programmes that the municipality is rolling out in communities were presented to stakeholders to ensure that businesses are aware of the municipality’s vision with regards to youth development.
The National Youth Development Agency was also present on the day to give a presentation on its youth empowerment initiatives.
