High rates of youth unemployment are a persistent problem in South Africa. In an effort to address the issue and empower the youth, an outreach programme, organised by Ward 13 Councillor Mbuyiselo Tyumbu, and supported by various stakeholders, was recently held in Schonkenville. The program focused on introducing the youth to life-changing opportunities available in different departments.

The Department of Employment and Labour, which previously secured over 60 learnerships, reaffirmed its commitment to creating more opportunities in the near future. The Damlaagte Solar Project, among others outlined its future intake plans, while updates were shared on the Illikwa Solar Project which is soon-to-be-launched. DESTEA, the Department of Social Development, and local banks also engaged the youth with valuable presentations on available programs and support.

This initiative is a tangible response to unemployment, equipping young people with information and direct access to opportunities, Ngwathe’s Executive Mayor Cllr Victoria De Beer-Mthombeni said.

She added that similar programs are being rolled out in other wards, including Ward 7 in Tumahole and Ward 14 in Mokwallo, ensuring that more young people across Ngwathe benefit from these engagements.

Although the programme outlined opportunities for skills development, several stumble blocks in job creation were also highlighted. These include alcohol and drug abuse, and youth not answering their phones, or answering in an unprofessional way.

Stats given during the Damlaagte presentation, indicated that by the end of January 929 people, of which 365 were locals, have been employed by the Damlaagte Solar Project since its start in November 2023. Construction of the 97,5MW Solar Project near Parys along the R59 on the Gauteng/Free State border, is now 90% completed, with completion of construction estimated by end of April. The next phase will focus on operation and maintenance, supplying approximately 300 million kWh of clean electricity, once the project is finally completed.

The project is a joint venture with Power China Maanda at EPC contractor, and LeadEPC and Tractional Holdings as the two main sub-contractors.

Since the start of the project more than 611 CVs has been received.

A total of 1 776 people worked on the project so far, including those who worked for short periods. Of this total 754 were locals (565 from Tumahole, 139 from Schonkenville and 50 people from Vredefort.

The project gave 13 companies an opportunity to work at Damlaagte. This included transport services the building of a warehouse, fencing, road and waste management.

Apart from employment, training was given to 132 people, and 37 employees got promotion.

Upon completion of the operation and maintenance phase, the plant will be fully operational.

Less people will be employed during the operation and maintenance phase, although general workers will still be needed for waste management, roads, security, water supply and sanitation.