SHIMZA has taken his commitment to giving back to a new level.
The renowned DJ has teamed up with the Hollywood Foundation under the Shimuzic Foundation to create The HUB.
This is a four-month internship programme designed to give 15 young people from Tembisa practical experience in event management, design and entrepreneurship.
"At a time when events have become an integral part of our social, corporate, and cultural landscape, the demand for skilled event managers is constantly increasing.
"I understand that knowledge that is not shared is knowledge wasted. The HUB exists because I want learners to equip themselves with skills,” said Shimza.
Shimza was born and raised in Tembisa and has actively contributed to changing the lives of people in his community.
"If it doesn’t start from me and I don't influence it, it will never start. We are really trying," he said.
While an internship is a good start to developing skills, the youth gathered at Hang Awt restaurant, one of Shimza’s businesses, wondered if a chance at full-time employment was guaranteed.
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Babongile Mkhize, group transformation manager at Hollywood Foundations, said this was a step up from the opportunities that were already available.
“In any programme that the youths participate in, they have to perform well and do what they need to do so that we can offer them a full-time job,” she said.
To date, The HUB has received around 600 applications and the selected applicants are invited for a personal interview. While not everyone is guaranteed a place, Shimza said this should not demotivate anyone as an opportunity could arise at the Shimuzic Foundation and the same group of candidates could be selected.
Dineo Tshabalala (23), who applied for the internship, said she appreciated the opportunity, especially since she had difficulty finding employment after graduating.
Meanwhile, Jabulile Ntshuba (20) said this is a chance for the people of Kasi to create a better life for themselves.
“Many young girls opt for men because they don’t have jobs, some take drugs, others steal.
This is a chance for us to change our lives and do something for ourselves.
