Good news don’t come in huge supplies.
In recent weeks The BEAT ran articles loaded with a glimmer of hope for youth unemployment, and the lack of jobs in general.
The first of these articles was characterised by unprecedented hope all-round, simply because it was based on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Youth Employment Service (YES), flowing from the State of the Nation address.
Just three weeks ago we reported that the Limpopo economic cluster had unveiled a programme aimed at creating upwards of 9 000 job opportunities, to push back growing trends of the scourge of youth unemployment.
I am getting Lizzy Bapela to check with the relevant authorities as to the response, especially from youngsters in our neck of the woods, across the length and breadth of the Waterberg.
Unemployed youngsters are henceforth advised to contact the Youth Employment Service (YES) co-ordinator at (015) 293 8623, or alternatively makobelame@ledet.gov.za
To repeat what was reported at the time, the opportunities provided are in the sectors of agriculture, transport and logistics, tourism, environment, information and communication technology,
green economy, engineering services (mechanical), artisanal, manufacturing and construction, business services and general.
The vast majority of these opportunities include 3 510 in the artisans, manufacturing and construction industries.
The other story which shone a light of hope onto youth unemployment, was the one published in The BEAT in our previous edition.
In this story — written by Andries van der Heyde — we reported that a precious and base metals conglomerate had applied to the Minerals and Energy department for prospecting operations on the outskirts of Bela-Bela.
This had the potential to contribute to the economic vibrancy of the town and the broader region, according to M2 Precious and Base Metals’ official, Edgar Netshiozwi.
One brilliant journalist, the late Andrew Molefe, once wrote that should you notice mining front-end loaders doing work in your neighbourhood, know that it is economic boom-times.
Full-scale mining activity offers opportunities for skilled and the least skilled labour likewise.
For instance, if a mining operation absorbs local and perhaps even outside skilled labour, the opportunities open up for the local informal business sector to set up stalls in the vicinity, to
sell stuff such as food and other goodies.
Having said that, the benefits which beckoned for the VhaVenda of Thohoyandou following the elevation of the local Black Leopards FC into the PSL have been placed on ice.
This after the PSL board of governors ruled that Leopards play their home fixtures at Polokwane’s Peter Mokaba Stadium, instead of the Thohoyandou Stadium.
It has become apparent that Thohoyandou Stadium does not meet the high standards of professional football.
Leopards have also kicked off the league season on a flying start, first beating Polokwane City 1-0 and then playing a crucial 2-all draw with Highlands Park of Ekurhuleni, away from home.
As the overused phrase goes: one man’s meat is another man’s poison.
That is, with Polokwane City losing both opening league fixtures, Black Leopards FC is fast becoming the home (Polokwane) team of choice for local soccer lovers.
— The BEAT
