In a significant boost to the prospects of youth employment and skills development, 21 young individuals from Alexandra have been awarded a coveted 12-month logistics learnership by a company called Bongani Rainmaker, an opportunity that aims to equip the recipients with practical knowledge and industry experience.
Through the Imisebenzi Yethu Campaign which consists of SA job seekers movement, Temporary Workers Union of South Africa was able to unlock a learnership programme with Bongani Rainmaker.
“The learnership is for 12 months and it is a Freight Handling Learnership that had 21 young people from Alexandra Township be selected from many applicants. The learnership programme started on August 1 and applicants were promised a stipend of R4 500 monthly.
“Our relationship with the company started last year when 28 people were hired in a temporary setup and their contract just ended last week. We are still engaging the company for more assistance in empowering the community at large. The Imisebenzi Yethu believes this relationship will bear fruits which are needed to ensure that people enjoy economic opportunities,” Mush Raletjena, Imisebenzi Yethu Campaign chairperson said.
As youth unemployment remains a significant challenge in many communities, including Alexandra, Imisebenzi Yethu organisation worked tirelessly and knocked door-to-door to different companies to secure employment for its job seekers.
“While the application process was done in two ways, we submitted CVs of young people who were part of the door-to-door campaign. The other one was advertised to the public to apply specifically to people from Alexandra but the selection processes were done by Bongani Rainmaker,” Raletjena said.
The learnership will represent a significant step forward in addressing youth unemployment and fostering skills development. This learnership will not only equip the youngsters with practical knowledge but also provides a gateway to a promising career in the logistics sector. As these young individuals embark on their professional journeys, they hold the potential to bring about positive change in their lives.
“This learnership programme will give them the necessary skills and knowledge of logistics and prepare them to be employable in the future. For me, this is a step in the right direction, and I am glad that bit by bit we are achieving what we wanted to achieve. This must be an example to other companies,” Raletjena said.
The Imisebenzi Yethu Organisation said they will give a full report late this year regarding the future and continuity of the learnership.
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