More youths register for Vulindlel’ eJozi

01 September 2015

 

Registration for the Vulindlel’ eJozi programme has gained momentum.

 

This is according to Harambee’s Mduduzi Mahlangu, who was on the registration drive with City officials in Freedom Park in the City’s Region G at the weekend.

 

“The programme in general and the event we are holding here today in particular have really gone very well and I believe this initiative will produce rich rewards,” Mahlangu said on Saturday August 29. Vulindlel’ eJozi is a drive to prepare 200 000 young people in Johannesburg for the workplace by 2016. It is a joint initiative by the City of Johannesburg and non-governmental organisation Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator initiative.

 

“A big part of what we’re trying to accomplish here today is getting as many young people as we can to register for smart activation so that we can have their details on file and can start communicating with them. We have volunteers manning our mobi site here to help with just that,” Mahlangu said.

 

Mahlangu said up to 300 local young people had registered on the day alone.

 

“Our volunteers are mostly also young people and we find that the youth in the various communities we have visited relate quite well with them, which helps a lot,” said Mahlangu.

 

“I really like this because you can clearly see that this is, in essence, a programme for the youth by the youth. It is great to see their enthusiasm.”

 

Freedom Park is one of the areas in Johannesburg facing challenges such as unemployment, poverty and a very high school dropout rate. More than 35 areas have been visited to encourage the youth to register for the programme since Johannesburg Executive Mayor Councillor Parks Tau announced its launch during his State of the City Address in May.

 

The programme will identify and create opportunities for registered young people based on their aptitudes and capabilities. The initiative is expected to include employment in companies of all sizes as well as in extended public works programmes, national youth service programmes and micro-enterprise development channels such as Jozi@Work.

 

The programme will also facilitate the placement of appropriate candidates in training and education programmes. Youths interested in participating in the Vulindlel’ eJozi programme can also register online at http://vulindleljozi.mobi from June 16. Those without internet access can do so at regional community centres. They can also access the mobi site from various City libraries and free City Wi-Fi hotspots.