WhatsApp group equips the unemployed with skills

MBOMBELA – Communicating over social networks has proven to be the easiest way for people to share experiences and information, not only for fun but also to help individuals solve daily problems.

A youth organisation called Just Mingle uses WhatsApp to interact with unemployed youths countrywide. It claims to have over 6 000 members from different parts of the country. “We all meet via a WhatsApp group to discuss how we can move forward. We make sure that our meetings are productive. We provide a lifestyle experience that exposes the unemployed to productive ways of living and to be self-driven,” explains Juda Mhlaba and Khethiwe Mndawe, who are part of the group’s management.

They say the group aims to create an information hub, especially for those interested in the arts and culture industry. They also help artists who are not registered to have access to the market. Mhlaba and Mndawe adds that members also contribute to the group’s newsletter, covering short stories and poems from different countries in the African continent.

The group is also passionate about instilling the culture of reading and the use of public libraries. They are in the process of launching a reading club in Mkhuhlu.
“Our programme stresses the importance of treating state facilities as assets to us. This will minimise any attempts of vandalism and it also encourages a better upkeep from proactive users,” says Mhlaba.

He encourages the youth to participate in the group, use their talent and share information.

He also urges general members of the public to join and assist where possible. “We are looking for exposure, funding and equipment including a sound system,”
he adds.

For more information contact Mhlaba on 062-187-6018 or justmingle@gmx.com or like the Facebook page “justmingle”.