We have noted media enquiries relating to the reference by President Jacob Zuma to the youth employment incentive scheme.
The scheme referred to is not new. The scheme is part of the measures of implementing the historic Youth Employment Accord which was signed by social partners in Soweto on 18 April 2013, in which they agreed to implement a Youth Employment Strategy that aims to raise youth employment through education and training interventions that ease the transition from school to work, work exposure programmes, public sector employment, youth target set-asides in specific industries, the promotion of youth entrepreneurship and youth cooperatives as well as private sector measures.
The President had referred to the need for employment incentives in the State of the Nation Address as follows: "Last May I asked constituencies at NEDLAC to discuss youth employment incentives. I am pleased that discussions have been concluded and that agreement has been reached on key principles. The parties will sign the Accord later this month. The incentives will add to what Government is already doing to empower the youth.”
The Minister of Finance also announced in February that National Treasury would table a youth employment incentive for consideration by Parliament later this year and that the incentive will allow government to share the costs of expanding job creation for young, inexperienced job seekers with the private sector.
This cost-sharing arrangement will help young people enter the labour market, gain valuable experience, improve their long-term employment prospects and access career opportunities.
Enquiries:
Mac Maharaj
Cell: 079 879 3203
E-mail: macmaharaj@icloud.com
