Jozi youth programme on a roll

Speaking at the launch, Tau said the programme was aimed at opening up various economic empowerment opportunities for 200 000 youth.

He said, “It made sense to convene this briefing on the first day of June. This time of year is always the point at which we start a national conversation we should actually be having throughout the year – a conversation about the national project of youth empowerment.

“However, this year, I can assure you that this will not be the case as the City of Johannesburg intensifies the rollout of its youth empowerment programmes as outlined in the State of the City Address.”

Tau added that the majority of people who lived in Joburg were under the age of 35.

“This month we will be lamenting that too few youth are economically active. Too few are starting their own businesses or graduating with formal qualifications which empower them to make their way in the world.”

Tau also revealed that there were almost one million young people in Johannesburg not in employment, education or training. To address this, the City had initiated the programme in partnership with Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator.

“[The programme] is designed to break down barriers to opportunities by creating pathways for young people to access skills training programmes and entry-level employment,” said Tau.

Harambee executive director. Tamera Campbell said the programme would identify employment candidates through various means. One of these is through their website (www.harambee.mobi) where young people can register for assistance in accessing various opportunities.

“Candidates will then be invited to assessments at one of the Vulindlel’ eJozi Opportunity Centres around Johannesburg,” said Campbell.

“Here they will receive a full battery of assessments and work-seeker support.”