Navigating Mbombela’s unemployment challenges
The Department of Labour and Employment collaborated with other role players at its business breakfast on January 12 to come up with solutions and strategies to boost employment.
There are currently 7.8 million unemployed individuals in South Africa, reports Stats SA.
The youth (aged 15 to 34) are particularly vulnerable in the labour market. Only six million are employed, 4.6 million not.
The Department of Employment and Labour highlighted the high unemployment rates as the driving force behind the employers’ business breakfast held at the Southern Sun Emnotweni Hotel in Mbombela on January 12.
During this session, the department collaborated with employers, institutions and government departments, identifying opportunities and solutions to boost employment in the city. The employers were urged to innovate and collaborate to create job opportunities within the city.
The minister of employment and labour, Thulas Nxesi, emphasised the youth’s vulnerability in the labour market, stating that it poses a significant risk to social stability in South Africa. He stressed the urgent need for co-ordinated responses to address youth unemployment at a national level.
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Expressing concern about the upcoming release of the 2023 matric results, Lowvelder sought Nxesi’s advice for matriculants who will be entering the labour market. He encouraged them to pursue tertiary studies, to utilise available resources and training provided by the department and to attend career fairs.
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Nxesi also advised that unemployed individuals should visit the department’s website for vacancies and training opportunities.
