According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released by Statistics South Africa last week, the unemployment rate in the province stands at 35.5 percent. The NYDA’s Boitumelo Dithebe says of great concern is the persistent increase in youth unemployment. 

He says there are plans underway to ensure that the youth in the province participates in the economy. Dithebe, however, adds that the issues of unemployment is not only the responsibility of the government but requires the involvement of the private sector.

“The issue of unemployment according to Stats SA is a bit worrying, but I honestly believe that it is not only the responsibility of the government. I think all of us need to work together, to ensure that we fight unemployment. Our government cannot do it alone. We need the involvement of the private sector as well to play a part in terms of fighting unemployment, more especially in our province.”

According to the report, South Africa’s unemployment in the first quarter of this year increased by 1.2 of a percentage point to 27.7% - the highest since 2003. Dithebe says their primary role is to address issues faced by the youth. He says through the skills development and entrepreneurship programme they help the unemployed youth to enter the labour market and participate in the country’s economy.

Dithebe says they have a grant facility to help with funding entrepreneurs, mentorship programmes to enable them to make their businesses sustainable and a marketing programme to help them participate in the mainstream economy.

“To contribute towards the fight against unemployment, we have, for example, in our grant facility programme a prerequisite that those helped with funding should create employment for other young people in the province. We ensure that through the grant they are able to empower other people.”

He says they also have a “jobs programme” which helps young people find employment through internships and leadership programmes. He says since the beginning of April this year they have thus far managed to help more than 140 young people, but more still needs to be done. He calls on everyone to join hands in helping the youth.

OFM News/Katleho Morapela