Minister of Employment and Labour, Thulas Nxesi launched a R551 million job creation project
Job creation, skills development and supporting entrepreneurship for the unemployed, especially the youth, received a major boost today when the Minister of Employment and Labour, Thulas Nxesi, launched training programmes worth R551 million earlier today, 04 March 2022.
The programmes were launched at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Glenwood, Durban, after the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), an entity of the Department of Employment and Labour, entered into a partnership agreement with the Fuze Institute for Humanitarian Praxis.
The UIF, through its Labour Activation Programmes (LAP), has set aside R551 million for the three projects for 19 921 beneficiaries – 70% of which are former UIF contributors who lost their jobs – to undergo training in the following skills disciplines:
- 14 771 beneficiaries as Chief Food Handlers;
- 5000 beneficiaries in Enterprise Development (mixed farming); and
- 150 beneficiaries as Fibre Optic Technicians.
Speaking at the launch today, FUZE Chief Executive Officer, Thandi Ngcobo, revealed to resounding applause that 14 771 beneficiaries have been employed by the Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal after completing their training.
She said the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal has pledged to support the 5000 learners’ co-operatives by purchasing their farming produce while Link Africa has committed to employing the 150 beneficiaries as Fibre Optic Technicians upon completion of training.
Ngcobo added that the mixed farming learners focus on poultry, piggery, vegetables, eggs and smoothies.
Addressing the launch, Nxesi said all efforts to create employment in South Africa should be strongly welcomed considering the high levels of unemployment in the country. “In light of the added “Employment” mandate to our Department, we are urging the private sector and all potential stakeholders to partner with us to reduce and end unemployment in the country because partnerships are key to creating jobs. Therefore, all UIF training projects must be linked to employment creation because we do not want learners to idle at home upon completion of training”.
Director-General of Employment and Labour, Thobile Lamati, said the Department was committed to playing its role in creating jobs. “We are worried about the growing unemployment in the country. However, we pledge to play our role in projects such as this launch which includes jobs, especially for young people. To the learners, I urge you not to waste this opportunity because it comes once in a while”; said Lamati.
Bayanda Zaca, one of the beneficiaries related that he often worked odd construction jobs before starting the UIF training. “Today, I am head chef at a top restaurant in Durban after undergoing the UIF culinary training. I am also helping the new trainees at the food processing centre in Ndwedwe. I am truly grateful to the UIF for turning my life around”.
Lethabo Tsonope, who was funded by the UIF, divulged to acclaim that she was a commercial pilot for FlySafair, flying a Boeing 783-800. “I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would become a pilot because it was so expensive and affordability was a problem. I am grateful to be where I am today and urge young girls to put God first to succeed”.
Media enquiries:
Petunia Lessing
Cell: 066 301 4645
E-mail: petunia.lessing@labour.gov.za
