Skills development
The most effective and sustainable way to build an economy is to equip people with the skills and know-how to drive it. Government has therefore been working to strengthen the link between the skills that it develops and the skills the workplace needs.
This year, the National Skills Fund will provide R800 million to develop skills in the digital and technology sector through an innovative model that links payment for training to employment outcomes.
“We reiterate our call to companies, departments and SOEs to remove the requirement for work experience for young people seeking entry- level positions.” – President Cyril Ramaphosa, SoNA, 9 February 2023, Cape Town City Hall.
In 2022, government said that it would place over 10 000 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college graduates in employment. It has surpassed that figure and has now set a target for 2023 of 20 000 TVET college graduates to be placed in employment.
The number of students entering artisan training in TVET colleges will be increased from 17 000 to 30 000 in the 2023 academic year. One of the key ingredients for economic growth and competitiveness is the ability to attract skills which the economy needs.
VISA system
Having completed a comprehensive review of the work visa system, government will move quickly to implement the recommendations put forward. These include establishing a more flexible points- based system to attract skilled immigration, implementing a trusted employer scheme to make the visa process easier for large investors and streamlining application requirements
Presidential Employment Stimulus
Last year, government spoke about the value of the Presidential Employment Stimulus in providing work and livelihood opportunities. The initiative has now created over one million opportunities, reaching every province and district in the country.
Last week, a new cohort of 150 000 school assistants started work at more than 22 000 schools, offering dignity, hope and vital work experience to young people who were unemployed. The Social Employment Fund is recruiting 50 000 participants in its next phase to undertake work for the common good, and the revitalised National Youth Service will create a further 36 000 opportunities through non- profit and community-based organisations.
The Department of Home Affairs has appointed the first cohort of 10 000 unemployed young people to digitise more than 340 million paper-based civic records. There are now more than three million users registered on SAYouth.mobi, a zero-rated online platform for young South Africans to access opportunities for learning and earning.
This has been done in close collaboration with the National Youth Development Agency, which continues to provide valuable assistance to young entrepreneurs and work seekers. The Presidential Employment Stimulus is also supporting people to earn their own living.
Support for small-scale farmers
Around 140 000 small-scale farmers have received input vouchers to buy seeds, fertiliser and equipment, providing a boost for food security and agricultural reform. This initiative has led to the cultivation of some 640 000 hectares of land. An impressive 68% of these farmers are women.
“The rising cost of living is deepening poverty and inequality. Millions of South Africans are unable to provide for themselves and their families. There is the single mother in Alex, worried about how she will make ends meet as the cost of maize and taxi fares continues to rise. There is the factory worker in Gqeberha who now faces an uncertain future as load-shedding brings the assembly line to a halt. It is the job of the State to provide a minimum level of protection below which no South African will fall.” – President Cyril Ramaphosa, SoNA, 9 February 2023, Cape Town City Hall.
Related links
Source: State of the Nation Address Highlights [PDF]
