The De Aar Employment Centre, located in the heart of the Northern Cape, serves as a symbol of hope and opportunity for the local community. The centre is part of the Department of Employment and Labour’s Public Employment Services (PES) initiative, which aims to bridge the gap between job seekers and the job market by providing a range of invaluable tools and services.
Offering Invaluable Services
The De Aar Employment Centre is fully equipped with stations, self-help kiosks, and a flat-screen TV displaying available services and opportunities on the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) job matchmaking platform. The centre aims to integrate various departmental services, including CV compilation, registration of work seekers, job search, counselling services, career advice portal, and career interest self-evaluations.
Improving Service Provision
The De Aar region has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the country, standing at 54.5% for the 15-34 age group. The opening of the De Aar Employment Centre is a significant step towards addressing these challenges. The centre has provided employment counselling to 13,440 registered work seekers, with 3,358 of them placed in various roles. Furthermore, the ESSA online job matching platform had 34,000 work seekers registered in De Aar, with 6,411 employment opportunities available.
A Contribution to Economic Growth
De Aar is a bustling town in Northern Cape, known for being a crucial railway junction in the country and a significant centre for wool production and livestock farming. The new Employment Centre will not only help tackle the unemployment issue but also contribute to the economic growth of this vibrant town.
Collaborative Efforts
The De Aar Employment Centre’s success is attributed to various organizations, SETAs, and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) who have supported the initiative. These concerted efforts are part of the government’s District Development Model, which seeks to improve service provision across the country.
Ongoing Efforts
As part of the Department of Employment and Labour’s ongoing efforts to improve employment prospects across South Africa, National Careers Week and Fairs will be hosted in collaboration with other government departments, SETAs, and local municipalities. These events will provide valuable opportunities for job seekers to explore potential career paths and expand their horizons.
Community Involvement
Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Boitumelo Moloi, urged the De Aar community to protect the Employment Centre and avoid vandalism and destruction of property. The centre’s success depends on the community’s active involvement and commitment to its preservation.
A Shining Example
The De Aar Employment Centre is a shining example of what can be achieved through collaborative efforts and a commitment to improving the lives of South Africans. It sets a precedent for similar initiatives in other regions, aiming to uplift communities and provide a pathway towards a brighter future for the nation’s youth.
