Implementation of the youth employment accord is to be assessed, the North West Provincial Government proclaimed at youth dialogues held across all 19 municipalities over the weekend.
Representatives of the provincial government announced to the over 9 000 participants that the assessment to be conducted by the new administration led by Premier Supra Mahumapelo is to cover absorption of young people in the private, green economy, business process sectors and promotion of young cooperatives, entrepreneurship.
A 60% target had been set for absorption of youth in the green economy with the solar heater installation programme identified as a youth focused sector. A target of 80% target was set for young people in the business process sector that includes call centres.
Work exposure, education, training and public sector measures that had committed to 80% absorption of youth through the Expanded Public Works Programme and the Community Works Programme are also to be assessed.
The assessment will also examine the efficiency and effectiveness of the Narysec programme, the Green, Health and Literacy brigades in the province.
Young people who participated in the dialogues hosted by the Office of the Premier Youth Development Support Directorate in partnership with the National Development Agency and municipalities under the theme ”Youth moving South Africa Forward” expressed optimism about the establishment of a youth service portal.
The portal is to provide unemployed young people with critical information they require about goods, services, learnerships, bursaries, youth cooperatives, entrepreneurships and job opportunities to participate in the mainstream economy will contribute significantly towards reducing youth unemployment.
“We are excited about the great initiative which has raised our hope,” 28 year old Katlego Mopharing from Montshioa.
Her sentiment were echoed by 33 year old community leader from Lotlhakaneng village, Eric Manokula who said that the initiative is a good start towards empowering young people to access information and funding.
“There are no short cuts to success. Young people should seek information that should advance their interest in business. We should not rely solely on government to solve our problems. We should be innovative and venture into identified growth sectors to assist government to solve the challenge of youth unemployment through job creation,” successful young Mahikeng businessman, Kelebogile Jacques Seeco of Dikgwetlo Trading said in motivating aspirant entrepreneurs
Enquiries:
Sam Mokaila, Spokesperson for the Premier
Cell: 082 559 7384
Tel: 018 388 1324
Fax: 018 388 3008
E-mail: smttumelo4@gmail.com
