Municipality launches empowerment initiative to address youth unemployment
The City’s Scooter Empowerment Initiative Programme seeks to ensure that local youth benefit from delivery opportunities in the fast-growing e-commerce sector.
HOMELESS youngsters have been given a new lease on life thanks to the City’s Scooter Empowerment Initiative programme.
The eThekwini Municipality has launched an initiative programme to address youth unemployment. The City’s Scooter Empowerment Initiative Programme seeks to ensure that local youth benefit from delivery opportunities in the fast-growing e-commerce sector.
Twenty-seven young Durban residents, who are all housed at shelters, have joined the programme.
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Martin Malindi, who used to live at a shelter in the city, applauded eThekwini Municipality for being inclusive of homeless people.
“All we ever wanted was a second chance in life, and I got it through the Scooter Empowerment Initiative programme. Since joining the programme, I haven’t looked back,” said Malindi.
The initiative was launched by eThekwini Mayor, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda, on Thursday, June 2 at the old drive-in site.
The initiative trains youth, at no cost, to drive scooters, and facilitates in helping young people to obtain their scooter driving licences.
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Scooters are also provided at a subsidised rate.
During his keynote address, Mayor Kaunda said, “We are delighted to launch this important initiative during Youth Month. So far, the programme has trained and facilitated access to market [helps them obtain driving licences] for 200 young people who are currently working. In the next six months, the initiative anticipates increasing the number of beneficiaries to 500.”
Mayor Kaunda said the initiative is a unique model as it also offers opportunities to homeless people.
Young people interested in being part of the programme can call 073 997 0966/ 031 311 4500 or email: nomusa.nxumalo@durban.gov.za to enquire about the next recruitment phase.
Alternatively, visit the Lularides offices at 5th Floor, 331 West Towers, Pixley kaSeme Street.
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