As a result of the enormity of the unemployment challenge and destructive effect it has on our society, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has always held the view that job creation should not be the responsibility of a single entity. It should rather be a priority for every industry and entity. We were therefore more than pleased to hear President Zuma during the 2011 state of the nation address, urging every sector and every business entity, regardless of size, to focus on job creation.
By recognising that more can be done if we work collectively, the NYDA has made various strides by striking partnerships with some of the following smallest, biggest and public and private organisations:
- Department of International Relations and Cooperation and Department of Trade and Industry: facilitating participation of young people in international trade delegations and other international opportunities. For instance, in October 2010 thirteen young people from underprivileged backgrounds started their scholarships in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey
- Youth Chambers of Commerce: collaborating on lobby and advocacy work and capacity building for the Chambers
- Working with Interdepartmental Committee on Youth Development to ensure that all government Departments have youth directorates and specific youth initiatives and projects
- Companies and Intellectual Property Registration Office (CIPRO) of South Africa: to enhance accessibility of CIPRO products, particularly registration of businesses for young entrepreneurs that the NYDA serves
- Business Unity South Africa: collaboration on setting up a youth desk within BUSA
- Sustained partnerships include with:
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various municipalities: for facilitating access to the NYDA through the establishment of local youth offices
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various government departments: for programme implementation, including incorporating youth into the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP)
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YouthBuild International and Department of Human Settlements for construction of houses in Ivory Park under the National Youth Service Programme
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Youth Business International: collaboration on microfinance and mentorship programmes
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Nestlè: for supporting young vendors with access to products and finance
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Supporting youth enterprises, specifically micro enterprises and cooperations in rural areas, will also be a key part of job creation. So we look forward to providing more young people with business loans and business support services. In addition, the announcement of a 9 billion Jobs Fund and the 20 billion tax allowances or tax breaks are also steps in the right direction. We hope that more companies and young people will take advantage of the opportunities that will arise.
Finally, we look forward to forming and sustaining more partnerships in 2011 to ensure that 2011 is indeed a year of job creation through meaningful economic transformation and inclusive growth.
For media enquiries please contact:
Refilwe Mphane
Tel: 011 651 7175
Cell: 084 308 5860
E-mail: rmphane@nyda.gov.za
Linda Mbongwa
Cell: 082 315 3217
E-mail: lmbongwa@nyda.gov.za
Siyabonga Magadla
Cell: 083 686 9016
E-mail: smagadla@nyda.gov.za
