Ramaphosa reveals R800 million plan to create 50,000 jobs

The country’s head of state Cyril Ramaphosa has at least said what unemployed youth want to hear, the government is acting on the dire job scarcity. The upcoming nationwide employment opportunities program will be called the Social Employment Fund.

So what is it all about?

RAMAPHOSA REVEALS 50,000 JOBS PROJECT

A new Social Employment Fund is coming to Mzansi in order to ease one of the country’s worst nightmares that is high youth unemployment.

As an added reaction to the Covid-19 pandemic impact, Ramaphosa said, in his weekly public letter, a new fund of R800 million will deliver 50, 000 work opportunities.

“Applications are now open for organisations to become the fund’s Strategic Implementing Partners. These partners must be able to create work for at least 1,000 participants, and will be expected to reach the employment target within the first quarter of implementation,” he said.

“No less than 80% of the funds received needs to be spent on wages. This will ensure that the work supported by the fund is labour intensive, provides meaningful experience, and delivers real social value. Social employment is not about work alone, but about creating high-quality assets and services for communities.”

HOW THE JOB OPPORTUNITIES WILL BE STRUCTURED

Ramaphosa said the employment opportunities won’t be full-time. This will be carried out so that more people will have chances to get hired within the duration of the Social Employment Fund.

“Work opportunities under the Social Employment Fund will be part-time. This means more people can participate, and participants can be employed and have a secure income for longer.

“This gives participants the time to develop the structure, skills, and networks associated with participation in work.

“Participants will perform an average of two days of work a week, and we want to encourage the private sector and the donor community to support these organisations, which will enable participants to be paid for more workdays a week,” the brief concluded.

The ANC head concluded to say the program will include added benefits such as skills and experience development and self-employment exposure or training.

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