NGO, Ray Nkonyeni Municipality tackle youth unemployment

Non-governmental organisation Food and Soil and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality have jointly initiated a poultry training and mentorship programme for youth-led enterprises interested in broiler production.

The municipality has advertised on various media platforms, encouraging local youths to apply through its Youth Office before January 30.

This programme is timeous as ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa told young people attending the ANC January 8 and 114th anniversary celebration in the North West last Saturday, that he has sleepless nights due to the high rate of youth unemployment in South Africa.

Unemployed youth aged 15-24 is at 58.5%, and those aged 25-34 at 38.4%.

Similarly, the ANC Boboyi branch deputy task team co-ordinator Smangele Bhengu praised the interventions of Food and Soil in partnership with the municipality to support youth-led enterprises.

Bhengu stated that as leadership of the ANC branches, they need to play an important role in rebuilding their communities and bring hope back to vulnerable, unemployed youth.

“Programmes such as these should be taken seriously, mostly by making our youth aware of these opportunities and motivating them to see it as a doorway to solving unemployment. Once our youth are empowered with the necessary skills, applying for funding to initiate community projects shouldn’t be a challenge.”

Meanwhile, branch co-ordinator Thembinkosi Ntuli said assistance is available, young people should come forward if they are interested in these programmes and face their challenges of unemployment head-on.

“It would be easier if the Youth League gets involved in these projects and encourage other youth to take these opportunities. Self-employment is important to creating opportunities and addressing unemployment in our society,” said Ntuli.

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