Unemployment is a big challenge, not only in Potchefstroom, but in the broader North-West. A Job fair event formed part of broader efforts to address unemployment in the province and connect work-seekers with employment and training opportunities.

The Department of Employment and Labour in the North West, in partnership with the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality and JB Marks Local Municipality, hosted a Career and Jobs Fair in Potchefstroom on Friday, March 6.

Department of Employment and Labour Chief Director for Provincial Operations in the North West, Sphetho Siyengo, addressed an employer roundtable discussion at the JB Marks Town Hall earlier in the day. His address focused on the challenges posed by high unemployment levels and the need for coordinated action.

Siyengo said unemployment remains a major challenge in the province and requires an urgent and coordinated response.

“In the North West, unemployment is perched at 35 percent,” he said.

He added that the department plays an important role in ensuring fairness within the labour market while also working to support job creation.

“The Department is there to protect employers from unfair competition in the labour market,” Siyengo said.

He said the department would intensify its recruitment drive from next week to register unemployed people across the province.

The Career and Jobs Fair, hosted at the Madiba Banquet Hall in Potchefstroom, aimed to assist work-seekers by providing information about career opportunities and access to support services.

Visitors had the opportunity to learn more about learnerships, internships, apprenticeships and bursaries, while also receiving career counselling. Work-seekers were also assisted with registering and applying for opportunities on the Employment Services South Africa (ESSA) portal.

Alongside the fair, the department and its partners hosted a stakeholder engagement session with employers, trade unions, government departments, private companies and state-owned entities.

The discussions focused on labour legislation, government policies, industry growth plans and concerns raised by employers. The engagement also aimed to identify possible solutions to stimulate job creation and strengthen collaboration between stakeholders.

The stakeholder engagement programme ran concurrently with the career fair at the JB Marks Council Chamber.

The event formed part of a broader service delivery campaign that took place from March 2 to 4 in Maquassi Hills, JB Marks and Matlosana local municipalities ahead of the main event in Potchefstroom.

During the campaign, integrated services were provided to communities, including job hunting skills training, career development support and registration of work-seekers on the ESSA system.

Other services available included information on the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), the Compensation Fund, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), inspection and enforcement services, community services and economic development support.