News

A New Dawn for Young Capetonians: Embracing Call Center Opportunities

September 7, 2023

1 min read

Cape Town is offering new opportunities for its young citizens by training 1,000 young Capetonians in the booming call center industry, a sector that is experiencing remarkable growth in recent years. The City-funded Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Afterschools programme, administered by CapeBPO, the City’s Special Purpose Vehicle in this industry, aims to address the critical issue of youth unemployment in South Africa.

Community-based call center training

The training takes place at the Futur-ED learning center in Athlone, and the programme targets unemployed youths and Grade 11 and 12 school-goers from surrounding areas like Athlone, Nyanga, Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, and Mitchells Plain. The primary objective of this project is to offer access to a community-based call center, where learners can receive first-hand exposure to the industry and the myriad opportunities it presents.

Tackling unemployment crisis

Alderman James Vos, the Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, emphasizes the significance of such programs in tackling the unemployment crisis. “By opening a door for young Capetonians to an industry that has witnessed stellar growth and is still going to see a great deal more,” he said, adding that the City is actively working on creating a brighter future for its citizens.

High demand for CX delivery point

In the 2023 Ryan Strategic Advisory Front Office BPO Omnibus Survey, executive respondents in North America singled out South Africa as their most favored offshore customer experience (CX) delivery point. Cape Town, in particular, enjoys a surge in demand among corporations in the sector, so much so that CapeBPO now claims that every individual who completes a skills programme is guaranteed a job placement.

Proactive approach to promoting the metro area to investors

This surge in demand is the result of the City’s proactive approach to promoting the metro area to investors. By showcasing tangible commitments towards training Capetonians through the Afterschools programme and the Cape Skills and Employment Accelerator, the City is able to attract more investors.

Expansion of Afterschools programme

Moving forward, Alderman Vos outlined the plan to expand the Afterschools programme, aiming to train an additional 1,000 young people in the coming months. “Each business development, job, and upskilled person is an investment in Cape Town that helps more young people start their careers and provide for themselves and their families,” he said.

Building a stronger and more inclusive economy

Through these projects and programmes, Cape Town is laying the foundation for a stronger and more inclusive economy that supports its citizens and firmly establishes the city as the easiest place in Africa to do business. As the call center industry continues to flourish, young Capetonians can now look forward to a future filled with immense potential and exciting career opportunities.

Serjio Zakharoff
Latest posts

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

View all

Maximising ROI: How CEOs Can Use Recruitment Agencies to Drive Business Growth

As business leaders, CEOs constantly search for strategic tools to drive growth and maximise return on investment (ROI). One such avenue is leveraging the expertise of recruitment services. With over 40 years of experience, MASA (Measured Ability South Africa) stands out as a leading player in the recruitment and staffing solutions industry, offering a blend of innovative strategies and time-tested methods to enhance your business performance. The Strategic Advantage of Recruitment Agencies In today’s fast-paced business world, the right staffing decisions are crucial. Recruitment agencies like MASA offer a streamlined, efficient approach to hiring that brings numerous benefits: 1. Access

Durban Super Giants Outshine Paarl Royals in SA20 Cricket League

The Durban Super Giants and Paarl Royals went headtohead in an exhilarating cricket match that left fans on the edge of their seats. The game took place at the Kingsmead Stadium, a renowned venue for cricket, and was the talk of the town. The Super Giants emerged victorious, cementing their supremacy in the SA20 league.

Latest from Blog

Bridging the Past and Present with That Boy Has No Shoes

That Boy Has No Shoes is a powerful play that brings South Africa’s painful past of Apartheid to life in a unique way. Instead of human actors, everyday objects like an axe and a camera tell their stories, allowing the audience to feel the weight of history. Created by Lara van Huyssteen, the play aims to spark empathy and understanding, especially among those who may not know much about this dark chapter. After its success in London, it now returns to Cape Town, not just to tell a story but also to inspire change by providing shoes for children in need. This emotional journey reminds us to remember the past as we look forward to a better future.

Unveiling the Hidden Cruelty in Animal Shelters

In the beautiful town of Atlantis, shocking secrets have been uncovered in animal shelters, revealing terrible neglect and abuse. The SPCA found 163 dogs and 29 tortoises in dire conditions, showing that some shelters are not the safe havens they claim to be. This pattern of cruelty is disturbing, as other cases have also shown dogs, cats, and rabbits suffering from neglect. The SPCA is fighting hard for better rules and accountability to protect these vulnerable animals and ensure they receive the care they truly deserve. Amidst this dark reality, there is hope as the SPCA works to bring about meaningful change for all animals in need.

Heroic Rescue at Hermanus: A Tale of Survival and Bravery

On a fishing trip off the coast of Hermanus, a father and three teenagers faced a terrifying ordeal when their boat capsized in icy waters. For over seven hours, they clung to the boat, battling cold and fear, until local anglers spotted them and alerted the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). The rescuers swiftly arrived, pulling the tired group from the sea and providing urgent care. Thanks to their bravery and quick thinking, all four were rescued and are now on the road to recovery, a shining example of hope and courage in the face of danger.

Life in Cape Town: Unique Experiences and Daily Struggles

Living in Cape Town is a beautiful yet bumpy ride. The city’s stunning views and lively culture are often met with challenges like wild winds and unpredictable weather that can change plans in an instant. Finding parking feels like searching for buried treasure, and traffic jams can test anyone’s patience. Despite these daily struggles, the spirit of Capetonians shines through, making life in this vibrant city a blend of resilience and joy.

Unveiling the Footprints of Giants: Dinosaur Tracks in South Africa’s Western Cape

Dinosaur tracks discovered in South Africa’s Western Cape are like magical windows into the past, revealing how these incredible giants once moved and lived. Recent findings show footprints from about 140 million years ago, offering fresh clues about dinosaurs in a region previously thought to have few traces of them. These footprints, found in sandy and muddy areas, tell stories of the dinosaurs’ daily lives and add excitement to our understanding of their world. As researchers continue to explore this area, they hope to uncover even more tracks, inspiring everyone to join the adventure of discovering the mysteries of our planet’s ancient past.

the ultimate mother city guide