Jozi@work creates jobs

Jozi@work held a regional forum meeting on September 11 in Jeppestown.

The meeting highlighted advertising of work packages for Region F.

The public was briefed on the work packages available in the region and community members had the opportunity to complete expression of interest forms.

Jozi@work is a co-production programme by the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) that aims to reduce poverty, inequality and unemployment by creating job opportunities for communities to deliver municipal services in their own neighbourhoods.

It aims to turn job seekers into job creators.

Co-ordinator for Region F, Mr Hlubi Biyana, said it is important for the communities to attend the meetings, especially small businesses, as these meetings offer sharing of information and advice for running a business.

“Jozi@work goes beyond just creating sustainable employment. It helps participants become professional and reliable service providers who can serve not only the CoJ, but both the private and public sectors,” said Mr Hlubi.

Four work packages were advertised, which included painting the inside and outside of the Jeppe Clinic.

People who are eligible to apply are businesses within the area of the clinic.

Mr Hlubi said jozi@work is to last for a period of three years as the CoJ believes after that period, these small businesses will be able to run their businesses and be able to apply for tenders.

Jozi@work requires no documentation from the smalls businesses applying for the packages.

“It works different from applying for a tender. We provide the small business with all the support they need to run a company in terms of the administration side of things. The capability support agents manage all the invoicing and payments, quality assurance and also make sure the community-based enterprises can rent equipment and the purchase raw materials they need to do the work,” said Mr Biyana.

“Despite some challenges, jozi@work has been a success since its launch in September last year. We have over 2 000 registered businesses and it’s both young and old people. Meetings are well attended and we hope this project will changes lives for the better,” said Mr Biyana.

For more information, go to www.joziatwork.org.za