Mayor Tau calls on youth to take up opportunities

01 February 2016

 

Johannesburg Executive Mayor Councillor Parks Tau has reiterated his call to Johannesburg youth to take advantage of a myriad of opportunities the City is offering under Vulindlel’ eJozi, an initiative aimed at breaking down barriers to youth employment.

 

The R150-million youth programme, a partnership between the City of Johannesburg and Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, seeks to create more than 200 000 employment opportunities for economically disengaged youth between the ages of 18 and 34 before the end of 2016.

Speaking during the formal introduction of Vulindlel’ eJozi’s official theme song on SABC1’s Live Amp show on Friday night, Mayor Tau called on the youth to register on the programme’s mobi site to be eligible for the opportunities, including access to the Massive Online Open Courses programme, enterprise development initiatives and employment possibilities.

Through Vulindlel’ eJozi, young people are also able to access learnership and apprenticeship opportunities to improve their permanent employment eligibility and raise earning potential. The Vulindlel’ eJozi theme song, Raise Your Hand Up, was recorded by VJ Cooperative, which comprises local artists such as Proverb, Mr Selwyn, HHP, SugaSmaxx, Fifi Cooper, JR, Slikour and Bianca le Grange. It is available onwww.vulindlelejozi.mobi.The music video depicts the unmistakable and distinct character and colour of Johannesburg.

With shots of the city skyline, the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge and the inner city, the Raise Up Your Hand music video captures Johannesburg’s spirit of enthusiasm and energy. The Raise Up Your Hand track is an interesting blend of several local languages with a hip-hop street soul sound that is sure to be a hit on the dancefloor.

Well-known rapper and producer Amukelani “Amu” Tshawane, popularly known as “Amunishn”, said of the song: “We are reaching out to the youth and creating awareness through the universal language of music. If you listen to the lyrics there is a valuable message in the song.”

Participation in the Vulindlel’ eJozi programme is free. Participants need to be in possession of a valid South African ID and have at least a Grade 10 qualification.

To register online, visit www.vulindlelejozi.mobi

Those without internet access can register at the City’s regional community centres or access the mobi site from various City libraries and free City Wi-Fi hotspots.