Thousands register for Vulindlel’ eJozi

07 August 2015

 

More than 6 500 youths have registered for Vulindlel’ eJozi – a City of Johannesburg’s initiative aimed at breaking down barriers to youth employment – since the programme officially came on stream on June 16, Youth Day.

 

The programme, a partnership between the City and Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, was announced by Johannesburg Mayor Councillor Parks Tau during his State of the City Address in May. The programme seeks to boost the capacity of more than 200 000 youths aged between 18 and 34 to be economically active by 2016.

 

Harambee’s Head of Marketing, Bryony Maxwell, said the organisation had engaged with more than 10 000 youths during 10 roadshows over the past few weeks.

 

Harambee assists the youth with overcoming entry barriers such as work readiness, foundation numeracy, literacy and digital literacy by providing training. Through Vulindlel’ eJozi young people will also be able to access learnerships and apprenticeship opportunities to improve their permanent employment eligibility and raise earning potential.

 

On Thursday August 6, more than 1 000 young people converged into the Zakariyya Park Community Hall for the 10th Vulindlel’ eJozi activation. Harambee’s Carol Mfaba said what was most impressive was that the majority of those who attended had heard about the drive via word of mouth and social networking platforms.

 

“The overall response from all the communities we have visited has been extremely positive. What is inspiring is the array of skills the youth who have registered possess. We have had candidates with an array of skill sets, including carpentry, videography and horticulture, to mention a few,” she said.

 

Mfaba said there was also a drive under way to assist young women to set up their own child daycare or day-mother businesses.

 

“If you’re a young woman aged between 18 and 34, love working with young children and would like to run your own business, register with Vulindlel’ eJozi. We are currently running our Day Mothers Programme,” said Mfaba.

 

As a result of the positive community reaction, four more activations have been scheduled for Region G in August.

• August 19, at the Protea South Multipurpose Centre;

• August 20, at the Finetown Multipurpose Centre;

• August 21, at the Poortjie Multipurpose Centre in Poortje, Orange Farm; and

• August 29, Freedom Park High School.

Participation in Vulindlel’ eJozi is free and open to all youths in possession of a valid South African identity document and who have at least a Grade 10 qualification. Register online on www.vulindlelejozi.mobi to ensure you are part of the youth employment revolution.

 

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