Smile FM’s Initiative to Empower 10,000 Unemployed Capetonians

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Smile FM, a radio station based in Cape Town, has launched a bold initiative to uplift thousands of families during the upcoming holiday season. Their objective is to assist 10,000 unemployed individuals in finding meaningful employment by December 25, 2023, in response to South Africa’s high unemployment rates.

The Power of Employment

Ryan O’Connor, the host of the Ryan O’Connor Breakfast Show on Smile FM, leads this noble initiative. He encourages companies to inform the station of any job vacancies that may arise, and Smile FM will match these opportunities with skilled job seekers in the area. O’Connor believes that employment empowers not just individuals but entire families, breaking the cycle of poverty and inspiring future generations.

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Celebrating Success

To celebrate the success of this initiative, Smile FM intends to feature participating companies in their broadcasts over the next 12 weeks. Listeners will also hear heartwarming stories of newly employed individuals who, after a long struggle, will finally receive a much-needed paycheck.

Collaboration for Change

The campaign has garnered support from Leelyn Management and the City of Cape Town, with Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis expressing his enthusiasm for the collaboration. The Mayor urges businesses to support this initiative and encourages job seekers to take advantage of the resources available, including assistance with crafting their CVs.

Alderman James Vos, another passionate advocate for the project, highlights the City’s ongoing efforts to foster an environment conducive to business growth and job creation. He proudly points to the Jobs Connect workforce development program as an example of how public-private partnerships can aid thousands of people in finding work and regaining their dignity.

Impactful Potential

Managing Director Lois O’Brien at Smile FM shares her excitement for the potential impact of the campaign. As the holiday season approaches, Cape Town anticipates a surge in job opportunities, particularly in the tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors. O’Brien is proud of Smile FM’s role in leveraging their network and audience to bridge the gap between deserving job seekers and employers, ultimately improving the lives of families across the Cape Town Metropole.

Collaborative Efforts for a Brighter Future

Smile FM’s commitment to not only discussing the challenges of unemployment but actively working to address them sets a commendable example for others to follow. Through initiatives like this, we are reminded of the power of community and the immense impact that can be achieved when working together towards a brighter future. As Smile FM embarks on this ambitious journey, the spirit of collaboration and a shared goal to uplift those in need will undoubtedly bring smiles to thousands of faces this holiday season.

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Lerato Mokena is a Cape Town-based journalist who covers the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene with a focus on emerging voices from Khayelitsha to the Bo-Kaap. Born and raised at the foot of Table Mountain, she brings an insider’s eye to how creativity shapes—and is shaped by—South Africa’s complex social landscape. When she’s not chasing stories, Lerato can be found surfing Muizenberg’s gentle waves or debating politics over rooibos in her grandmother’s Gugulethu kitchen.

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