In a quest to help create jobs in the Johannesburg north-eastern suburbs, I Vote South Africa is recruiting unemployed people to help restore old furniture to make ends meets.
I Vote SA is a civic organisation recently established by resident Brandon Naicker to assist locals to make a decent living for their families through skills transfer projects.
Naicker said joblessness is a big and ever-increasing problem in the country and there is a need to think of innovative ways to stimulate the economy.
“As I Vote SA, we are looking for members of the community who would like to get involved in restoring furniture, making candles and soaps for an income,” said Naicker.
According to the organisation’s founder, I Vote SA has come up with creative ideas to help job seekers to use what they have to create opportunities for themselves. “This all may be well and good but if money is scarce in a local economy, there is going to be many people qualified and the supply of candidates for jobs are overwhelming when the demand of such skills is low.
“Besides making a living, people want a purpose for their existence. So, we encourage our candidates that community integration is needed and look for ways to build our community again. We are looking for anyone who has innovative, creative business plans to get in contact.”
He added that, at the moment, they are exploring ways to manufacture furniture cheaply but without compromising on quality. They are asking for donations of chairs, tables and bed frames as well as cabinets, however, all types are welcomed. “When furniture is donated, it will be checked if repairs are required and if it needs restoration to increase its resale value, the volunteers will upload pictures to the various online sale portals.
“The carpenters, volunteers and those selling will all share in the profits based upon the percentage of contributions invested.”
The furniture is expected to be re-sold through various online media platforms and at various sale sites. Naicker added that some of the products will be given away to assist those in desperate need in the community.
They currently have sites in Cosmo City, Orange Grove, Reiger Park and will soon launch sites in Alexandra and Tembisa.
Details: www.ivotesa.org
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