Unemployed youths in the province given a boost with opportunities in the ICT sector
Provincial government and businesses collaborate to offer mentorships, jobs, and opportunities in various ways to help curb youth unemployment.
Brixton for a few hours last week became a shining example of what is possible when government and civil society partners collaborate in public-private partnerships.
The fifth Youth Tech Expo for the province was held at the Brixton Multipurpose Centre which exposed the young and unemployed adults in attendance to opportunities by organisations that want to create employment in the ICT sector, or by fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship.
MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and e-Government Mzi Khumalo said, “We hope this day will be a turning point in your lives as provincial government prioritises service delivery for unemployed youths in townships, informal settlements and hostels. This expo is a valuable platform to accelerate socio-economic development through technology as a critical enabler”
He said, “EOH has been a critical partner who has been assisting with providing hardware and training; FNB has sponsored tablets and assisting youths with financial wellness support; Microsoft SA has come forward with training; Assupol Life too has come forward to offer employment for youths from each region in the province and Rashida Plastics coming to the table with employment opportunities. These are not our only partners but is a glance at the type of collaborators who are walking with government to help our young citizens.”
MMC Nomoya Mnisi concurred, “We hope 2023 will be the year your lives change. We see that the skills of our young people do not match those required in the job market so programmes like this aim to close that gap.”
Deputy director general for e-Government Phelokazi Ntanjana spoke of motivation and hope for the future. “Young people need our assistance and support if they are to thrive. This is one way we are trying to do this with partners who ask nothing from government but want to help us, help you. It is wonderful and we are so grateful. The ICT world is here, and we need to modernise our thinking and actions to thrive in this new world.”
Ward 58 councillor Ricky Nair focused on the important message which showed that government can only do so much, but the youths themselves need to help too. “Please, please, let’s stop the abuse of drugs and alcohol, it is a pandemic that is killing your generation. You don’t need substances to have fun and you can’t thrive when abusing them. I also beg all of us to take a stand against gender-based violence. Real men do not abuse women.”
After the formalities ended, the young adults in the room had an opportunity to network and engage with the various stalls in attendance in what is hoped will be a first step in changing their destinies from unemployed and disenfranchised to thriving members of society.
Related Article:
