MMC for Economic Development Nkululeko Mbundu said partnerships between the government and the private sector can help bring about lasting solutions in a fight against high unemployment in the country.
Mbundu spoke at the official signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding between the City and The Institute of IT Professionals South Africa on May 19 at Diepsloot Youth Centre.
He said the signed agreement seeks to foster coordination to achieve a set of objectives relating to the growth of the information and communications technology sector, economic development in the City, poverty alleviation and creation of job opportunities.
“South Africa has the highest unemployment rate and [is] lagging behind when it comes to critical skills… This six-month pilot project will help provide training to unemployed local people in computer coding and app development.”
He said the project will not be limited to young people. “Government does not create jobs but has a responsibility to create an enabling environment for businesses to create jobs. We hope that this partnership will help equip unemployed locals even those above 40 with skills that will equip with necessary skills to start their businesses and create jobs.”
Executive director in Region A Abigail Ndlovu said the project was a testimony that the government was serious about reviving the township economy.
“I am very excited that this project is being piloted in our region. This is one of the partnerships that we’ve always [been] longing for in order to fight the … high rate of youth unemployment in the region,” Ndlovu said.
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