The South African government has unveiled a R103 million partnership with the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA) and delivery services provider, Takealot, to support youth skills development. The initiative was launched at the Ekurhuleni West TVET College in Katlehong on Tuesday. Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, emphasized the importance of skills development and creating meaningful pathways for South Africa's more than 5 million unemployed youth.
The partnership aims to support at least 20,000 young individuals through various programmes focused on delivery services, digital skills training, and more. The initiative aligns with President Cyril Ramaphosa's commitment to bridge the gap between unemployment and the world of work. Manamela appealed to the private sector to unlock opportunities and invest in the skills development of the nation's young people.
The planned programmes include Work-Integrated Learning opportunities for TVET college learners, critical-skills bursaries, training for personal shoppers, driver development initiatives, and digital training tailored for small businesses. With an initial investment of approximately R103 million, the partnership aims to create 20,000 income-generating opportunities through skills development, workplace experience, entrepreneurship, and participation in South Africa's burgeoning digital economy.
Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim echoed the minister's sentiments, underscoring the importance of transitioning young people from learning to earning. Cassim stated that the responsibility is not to announce opportunities but to make them measurable and real. The partnership aims to nurture talent in various sectors, including food delivery and e-commerce.
Frederick Zietsman, CEO of Takealot, reinforced the company's commitment to skills development. He reflected on the company's 11-year history and its growth as a sunrise industry in the digital economy. Takealot has over 25,000 drivers and measures everything it does as a data-driven organisation.
One of the young beneficiaries of this initiative is Sophie Mokoena, a Vosloorus resident. After finishing school in 2019, Mokoena faced significant challenges due to a lack of job opportunities. However, after receiving training as a licensed scooter driver through this partnership, she expressed her excitement about the potential positive impact on her life.
Minister Manamela highlighted the crucial role of industry participation in leveraging the government's skills levies. He stated that the government is in discussions to make it simpler for employers to take advantage of the skills levy, and is calling on the private sector to open doors and partner with the government to train young people.
Key points
- The partnership aims to support at least 20,000 young individuals through various programmes.
- The initiative aligns with President Cyril Ramaphosa's commitment to bridge the gap between unemployment and the world of work.
- The partnership aims to create 20,000 income-generating opportunities through skills development, workplace experience, entrepreneurship, and participation in South Africa's burgeoning digital economy.
