City of Johannesburg legislature officials conducted an oversight visit at the Isiqalo Opportunity Centre on Wednesday, 28 March to check on the progress of the centre.
Officials who were part of the visit included Ward 85 councillor Sonja Meyer; Chair of Chairpersons, councillor Alex Christians; and Region C Director, Mlamleli Belot. The purpose of the visit was to check on the progress of the centre and how they could attract more unemployed graduates.
They also explored ways to get more investors to sustain the programmes and provide more employment opportunities, while also discussing issues such as the awareness of the centre, lack of resources, capitation issues, inter-departmental alignment on implemented programmes and developing a database system. “Through the various training programmes that are offered, the centre provides a platform for job seekers to develop the ability to find ways to move forward rather than sit at home and do nothing,” Isiqalo Opportunity Centre manager, Joe le Roux said.
One of the participants at the centre, Delia Vezasie, said that, “The centre gives me access to internet so I often visit it to do research on ways I could improve the charity I am running”.
Christians also encouraged City of Joburg departments to work smarter and raise more awareness about the centres to attract more unemployed youth and SMMEs.