THIS past weekend came with a glimmer of hope as unemployed residents in Gauteng were given the opportunity to register for jobs.
There were designated areas around Gauteng which saw people register between Saturday, 13 April and Sunday, 14 April. The programme is expected to be rolled out countrywide.
Siphokazi Nhlapho from Meadowlands, Soweto said she registered for a job and has high hopes she will be employed.
Dudu Ndaba said she is hopeful that she will get the job since she has registered.
Siyabonga Maya from Orange Farm said he wanted to take advantage of registering for training opportunities under #CrushNoLova.
“As an unemployed father, I am hoping that with these opportunities, I will be able to find employment and provide for my family. I need a job so I can be able to get my two-year-old daughter some basic needs,” he said.
Another unemployed person form Orange Farm, Lobisa Sehanka said she wants a second chance at getting her motor mechanic certificate after her studies were cut short due to financial difficulties.
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"Getting my certificate will help me a lot, I will be able to submit the certificate whenever I apply for jobs. I’m grateful for this opportunity of registering for jobs,” she said.
Interacting with the community of Meadowlands who went in to register, MEC of Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko said: “You need to be determined so that you finish the programme and get employed permanently. We don’t want piece jobs anymore. We want you to be permanently employed. It's all up to how hard you work. Some get jobs and then get lazy to get to work. Some are even full of stories.”
On Thursday, 4 April, Employment and Labour Minister, Thulas Nxesi announced that thousands of unemployed people would be employed through a Labour Activation Programme (LAP).
The programme, which will see individuals get a stipend every month, will not only train people, but will offer them employment. It first launched in Gauteng on Saturday, 6 April at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Joburg, starting with 55 projects.
