Is the municipality careless about youth?

Madam – MUNICIPALITY CARELESS ABOUT YOUTH.

Newcastle municipality must consider the needs of drop outs and extend a helping hand.

Newcastle Municipality employs qualified personnel, and I salute the municipality for that. However, what about the youth who were forced to drop out of tertiary institutions on their final year of studying?

Shouldn’t the municipality also consider such people, especially if they are from Newcastle and only left with one semester of their study to graduate? Instead of investing on the youth with experience, but have not yet graduated; the municipality opt to recruit people from outside KwaZulu-Natal, and be compelled to pay the candidates’ relocation expenses.

The municipality should illustrate patriotism and compassion for Newcastle residents, and try by all means to curb the scourge of people relocating to big metropolitans to seek greener pastures. Applicants who have not graduated, but meet the minimum requirement of a vacant position should write an affidavit explaining their situation.

Thus, only drop outs with at least two years of study and required experience should apply for vacancies.

There are people who went to the best educational institutions in South Africa such as Vega, Monash University South Africa, University of Cape Town and AAA School of Advertising, but could not graduate.

Is the municipality saying those people have nothing to offer?

It would be better if those drop outs be hired, but be compelled to complete their studies and graduate within a designated time frame. If they fail to graduate, then they must be let go.

The municipality must be the custodian of change. It must implement change Newcastillians can all be proud of.

Sphiwe Khumalo

Comment from Mayor, Afzul Rehman:

Unfortunately the municipality is bound by laws of the country. Minimum competency levels are in place for us to comply. We do however urge those people to apply for a more junior position and work upwards.

We offer training and study bursaries to staff who wish to complete their studies in their respective fields.