THE Department of Employment and Labour, through the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), has entered partnerships exceeding R1.9 billion over three years with private businesses, SETAs, and NGOs to create employment opportunities across 33 projects, benefiting over 56,000 young people in the Eastern Cape, according to the Eastern Cape Provincial Government.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Government said on social media that the Labour Activation Programmes span various sectors, ensuring a diverse impact on the province’s workforce, including Agriculture, ICT, Construction, Engineering, Manufacturing, Safety and Security, Hospitality, Social Services, Textiles, and Transport.
National Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi, announced the initiative at a launch attended by provincial premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane in East London.
Beneficiary, Xolisile Govuza who is in the Agriculture Sector said: “I am thrilled to be a part of this Labour employment program. It is such a fantastic opportunity to not only secure a job but also to learn new skills, meet incredible people, and contribute to my community. I can’t wait to dive in and make the most of this chance to grow personally and professionally.”
The Eastern Cape launch is part of a nationwide R23.8 billion training initiative for employment and entrepreneurship. The programme aims to create over 700,000 job opportunities, demonstrating the government’s commitment to tackling unemployment challenges.
Recent initiatives such as the opening of a new engineering TVET campus in Sterkspruit, and the creation of work opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) demonstrate the government’s commitment to tackling unemployment.