Mamelodi youths desperately need jobs, says local organisation
"We have to find ways to work together to save this sinking ship. Once the youth loses hope, we are all doomed."
Youth unemployment is a worrisome nightmare, a local organisation for youths in Mamelodi said.
“It gives me sleepless nights,” said the chairperson of Youth Movement Organisation (YMO) Eric Shikobela.
“We are aware that the employment rate is a national crisis and it’s a big concern.
“The matriculants of 2022 have recently joined the unemployment queues and our youths remain frustrated and without hope.”
However, Shikobela said that “we cannot expect the government to do everything for us as citizens”.
YMO is a non-profit, non-discrimination and non-governmental organisation.
Its primary objective is to combat unemployment, poverty and drug abuse within communities through youth empowerment and skill development initiatives.
“We have to find ways and means within our communities to overcome our daily struggles, difficulties and challenges,” said Shikobela.
Mamelodi is an “economy harbour community”.
It plays a major role in the economy.
“The number of complexes and malls built in our community grows yearly and that’s how we know that many businesses want to be in Mamelodi,” said Shikobela.
“Businesses in the area should prioritise residents of Mamelodi, Nellmapius and Eersterust when job opportunities become available.
“We can’t just be consumers as residents, we must also be benefactors,” he said.
“This will play a crucial role in ensuring stability, security and prosperity within our communities.
“The least we can do is to empower the youth. By doing so, we will bring relief to many families,” he added.
Shikobela said the YMO has a database of good and skilled youth.
“We have to find ways to work together to save this sinking ship. Once the youth loses hope, we are all doomed because they will then opt for drug abuse and crime.
“Failing to empower our youth is as good as failing to empower our future. I’m calling on Ford and other institutions in and around Mamelodi to partner with us in finding crucial solutions to restore the youth’s dignity, dreams and hope.”
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