‘It was all empty promises’
Seven years have passed since the Department of Social Development introduced the Masupatsela Youth Pioneers Project which was established to equip unemployed people with skills to help them qualify for jobs within the department but many who applied for the learnership say nothing has come from the initiative.
LIMPOPO – According to Johannes Mabotja from Ga-Matlala, who has been part of the programme since its inception, they were made empty promises by the department.
“Their promise to us was that we would get trained and eventually we would be absorbed into the department but that has not happened yet. They made this promise in 2009 and we still don’t have jobs,” Mabotja said.
A total of 255 youths enrolled for the learnership but only 128 are still in the programme.
Mabotja says the remaining trainees have engaged in talks with the department on numerous occasions. “They keep telling us there is no money but this is a national project so how can that be?” Mabotja continued.
According to Clifford Kgomo, another Masupatsela trainee in the Capricorn District, they have contacted a number of government departments, including the Office of the Premier, the ANC Youth League and the Public Protector, in an effort to have their concerns addressed. “Trainees in other provinces have completed the learnership and have been given jobs, why can’t that happen in Limpopo?” Kgomo asked.
According to Department of Social Development Spokesperson, Adele van der Linde, said, nowhere in the contract does it state that permanent employment is guaranteed. She continued, saying those who seek permanent employment will have to apply for positions as advertised.
“The Masupatsela Young Pioneers Project was started in 2009 by the Department of Social Development. The aim was to create employment while also providing community development workers with training for an NQF level 5 diploma in community development. This would enable them to find employment or become self-sufficient.
“Right now, 140 workers on the programme still receive a monthly stipend and are active in sub- districts of the department. The department has advertised a tender for Recognition of Prior Learning but unfortunately the department did not receive any bids. Once a suitable training institution is procured, the training will be completed and the workers will be released from their contract with the department,” she concluded.
