Harambee and V&A Waterfront Partnership to Boost Youth Employment

Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator and V&A Waterfront have joined forces to create job opportunities for young people in Cape Town’s tourism industry. Over 600 young individuals have already found employment across 53 businesses in the V&A shopping and leisure complex, with Time Out Market hiring 23 previously unemployed young individuals through the free digital platform SA Youth. The partnership aims to generate 1,000 jobs and create approximately 50,000 opportunities over the next decade, part of Harambee’s commitment to fostering more inclusive youth accessibility to economic opportunities.

Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator and V&A Waterfront, a major tourist attraction in Cape Town, have teamed up to create employment opportunities for young people. This collaboration is perfectly timed to coincide with the approaching tourist season, which is expected to be one of the busiest in recent years.

Over 600 Young Individuals Employed

The partnership has already borne fruits over the past 18 months, with more than 600 young individuals finding employment across 53 businesses in the V&A shopping and leisure complex. The likes of Pick ‘n Pay, First Rand, H&M, and Life and Brand Portfolio are among the employers.

Tourism Industry’s Strength Lies in its Power to Stimulate Economic Growth

Brett Wilks, Project Lead at Harambee, highlights the tourism industry’s strength in stimulating economic growth. The V&A Waterfront offers diverse clientele and a multitude of career paths, offering unique opportunities for young people, regardless of their prior experience or skills.

Drawing from Wesgro data, over 605,000 foreign visitors contributed R24.3 billion to the provincial economy last year, supporting 10,600 jobs. These figures are expected to grow significantly in 2023, with international arrivals already surpassing pre-pandemic levels in the first half of the year.

SA Youth Platform Helps in Job Placements

Time Out Market, a recent addition to the V&A’s tenants, has hired 23 previously unemployed young individuals through SA Youth, a free digital platform that links job seekers with employers. The platform has over four million registered young job seekers and nearly 1,000 employer partner organizations.

Work Readiness Program for New Hires

Beyond job placement, new hires undergo an intensive work readiness program. This program is orchestrated by Solve@Waterfront, Harambee, and Passion4Performance, aimed at equipping candidates with the necessary soft skills for the hospitality industry.

Richard Jooste, Operations Manager at Time Out Market, is pleased with the candidates sourced by SA Youth. This has led to a request for an additional 20 young people, with the goal of creating a skilled talent pool ready for deployment at any given moment.

Life-changing Potential of the Venture

Phumzile, a 21-year-old from Dunoon, is a testament to the life-changing potential of this venture. While studying hospitality and catering at West Coast College, she works as a runner, occasionally training in other departments to improve her bartending skills. She dreams of opening a traditional South African restaurant someday.

Zinhle, a 22-year-old from Khayelitsha, enjoys the team spirit at the market’s bars. She appreciates the support she receives from her fellow Harambee trainees, which helps her manage the bustling market.

Future Plans to Create 50,000 Opportunities

The partnership between Harambee and the V&A Waterfront aims to generate 1,000 jobs and collaborate with 100 V&A tenants, leveraging this top tourism destination for job growth. The future plans involve creating approximately 50,000 opportunities over the next decade and collaborating with other tourist assets across Cape Town. This is part of Harambee’s commitment to fostering more inclusive youth accessibility to economic opportunities.

1. What is the partnership between Harambee and V&A Waterfront about?

The partnership between Harambee and V&A Waterfront aims to create job opportunities for young people in Cape Town’s tourism industry.

2. How many young individuals have been employed through the partnership so far?

Over 600 young individuals have already found employment across 53 businesses in the V&A shopping and leisure complex.

3. How does SA Youth help in job placements?

SA Youth is a free digital platform that links job seekers with employers. Time Out Market has hired 23 previously unemployed young individuals through this platform.

4. Is there a work readiness program for new hires?

Yes, new hires undergo an intensive work readiness program orchestrated by Solve@Waterfront, Harambee, and Passion4Performance, aimed at equipping candidates with the necessary soft skills for the hospitality industry.

5. What are the future plans for the partnership?

The partnership aims to generate 1,000 jobs and create approximately 50,000 opportunities over the next decade, part of Harambee’s commitment to fostering more inclusive youth accessibility to economic opportunities. The plan is to collaborate with other tourist assets across Cape Town.