FurnTech is changing lives in Nyanga, Cape Town, by turning an old workshop into a lively place where people learn woodworking and business skills. This handson training helps many start their own furniture businesses, creating jobs and hope in a community that faced many struggles. With support from the city, FurnTech’s center has become a bright spot where talent and dreams grow, proving that even tough places can build strong futures.
South Africa is changing from coal to clean energy in a way that cares for its people and communities. Through special training centers and education programs, workers are learning new green skills like fixing solar panels and wind turbines. This big change aims to create good jobs, help regions hit hard by coal job losses, and include everyone especially women and young people. With teamwork between the government, businesses, and global partners, South Africa is building a fair, green future where no one is left behind.
Cape Town is buzzing with energy as it works hard to develop skills and create new job opportunities. By December 2024, the city aims to launch 211 apprenticeships and 1,470 learnerships, helping people grow and learn in important fields like engineering and GIS. With stunning Table Mountain as a backdrop, Cape Town is not just a beautiful place; it’s a place where young people can thrive and contribute to their communities. The city’s focus on continuous learning and mentorship ensures it remains ready for the future, making it a true hub of innovation and growth for everyone.
Cape Town’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) plays a crucial role in generating employment opportunities and developing skills for its residents. The program has evolved from creating job opportunities to serving as a platform for skills development, enabling recruitment into a variety of fields. The city has invested over R460 million in multiyear skills development projects, providing practical work experience and training for unemployed residents and fostering a more inclusive economy.
Cape Town is investing R77 million in a program to tackle youth unemployment and skills shortages in informal settlements. The program provides temporary employment contracts as janitors and diverse training programs, aimed at reducing unemployment and boosting confidence and independence among participants. With an emphasis on personal development and valuable work experience, the program is a powerful investment in the future of Cape Town’s youth.
The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in South Africa has been a phenomenal success, providing job opportunities and skills development for countless individuals. Managed proficiently by the City of Cape Town, the EPWP has secured increased funding from the National Government, and has provided over 465,955 work opportunities since its inception in 2004. With an innovative approach, the EPWP has surpassed its targets and positively impacted the lives of its beneficiaries, equipping them with critical skills for future employment. Prospective job seekers can register for the EPWP for free at their local Subcouncil.
The Food and Beverages Graduation ceremony in Mbombela celebrates the success of 81 graduates in the training program, marking the start of their bright and promising future. The joint endeavor by diverse stakeholders has proven pivotal to tackling the skills deficit in the hospitality and food and beverages domains. Education is a vital component of national development strategy, generating jobs, enhancing health facilities, and meeting other necessities. The Tourism Sector Recovery Plan aims to ensure longterm sustainability in collaboration with its stakeholders.
The South African National Service Institute (SANSI) is a new entity established to empower the youth and combat youth unemployment in the country. Spearheaded by the SANDFled National Youth Service, SANSI aims to develop skills and create meaningful employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people, particularly in impoverished districts. The launch of SANSI marks a significant chapter in South Africa’s history, embodying the nation’s commitment to civic responsibility and service while holding endless promise for the future.
The City of Cape Town is welcoming 19 recent graduates to its Infrastructure Skills Development Grant Programme, chosen from a staggering 3,035 applications. The diverse group possesses critical qualifications in infrastructure development fields and hails from various locales within the metro region and beyond. They will acquire invaluable onthejob experience working on infrastructure projects and contribute to the city’s training capability and nurture a skilled set of professionals proficient in areas experiencing a talent shortage.
South Africa’s Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. Blade Nzimande, has released groundbreaking research reports as part of the Labour Market Intelligence Programme (LMI). The reports reveal skills necessary for economic growth and highlight high demand occupations, occupational shortages, and skills deficits. The LMI program is inclusive and encourages stakeholder participation, and its extensive scope reaches beyond the Department of Higher Education and Training or the PostSchool Education and Training System. The program’s research initiatives bridge the skills gap and nurture a skilled workforce, contributing to the future growth of South Africa’s economy.
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Graduation Event celebrated the achievements of individuals who earned qualifications based on prior learning and experience. Esteemed individuals such as Mr. Fish Mahlalela and Chef Fatima Stanley graced the event, which embodied South Africa’s commitment to democratic principles. The RPL program plays a vital role in the country’s skills development strategy and promotes career growth in the tourism sector. With a skilled workforce ready to shape it, the future of the tourism sector in the country looks bright.
Cape Town, a bustling city in South Africa, has experienced a recent surge in economic growth that has led to the creation of 263,000 new jobs in the past year. According to a quarterly labor survey by StatsSA, 56,000 of those jobs were added in the most recent quarter alone, resulting in a 7% yearonyear decrease in the city’s unemployment rate.
South Africa, Denmark, and the Netherlands recently held a successful business forum to explore opportunities in green hydrogen and green energy sectors, aimed at strengthening economic ties and fostering collaboration. The Netherlands and Denmark showed keen interest in becoming key trading partners with South Africa, particularly in the newage green sectors.
On June 15, the North West Department of Public Works and Roads hosted an event in celebration of Youth Month with over 300 participants of the National Youth Service Programme (NYSP). The NYSP offers skills development programmes in areas such as bricklaying, plumbing, and road work aid, and participants will receive certificates upon completing their training.
The City of Cape Town’s Cape Skills and Employment Accelerator Project celebrated another cohort of young Capetonians’ graduation. The graduation ceremony took place at the Banqueting Hall in the Civic Centre, where Alderman James Vos, the Mayoral Committee member for Economic Growth, graced the event. Alderman Vos discussed the program’s performance, which aims to provide economic opportunities for unemployed young people.
In commemoration of Youth Month, Deputy Minister Philly Mapulane spoke at the Limpopo Digital Summit. The theme for the 2023 Youth Month is “Accelerating youth economic emancipation for a sustainable future,” which reflects the importance of empowering the youth in South Africa’s journey towards progress.
