Tsakani – Over 3 000 unemployed residents gathered at the Faranani Multipurpose Centre to apply for jobs and learnerships and to enquire about funding on July 4.
Thulani Soko, the founder and chairperson of the Lord is There learning academy, which aims to empower young people through skills empowerment, organised the programme.
He invited the labour department, social development, various learning institutions and the National Youth Development Agency to provide information to residents.
Soko pointed out that people struggle to find jobs due to the lack of information about job opportunities.
“We also aim to provide skills development and access to institutions that will educate people.
“Some people are unemployable because they don’t have the skills needed. Learning institutions are here so residents can obtain qualifications,” he said.
He further mentioned the importance of doing research, citing that he once struggled to find employment but eventually did when he did thorough research.
The day’s programme merged the public and private sectors, whose representatives presented what they offered.
In her presentation, Nedbank sales consultant Nwabisa Rodolo told the community the bank has opportunities that don’t require a qualification beyond matric.
“Even if you don’t have a qualification, your matric is fine, and we offer call centre agent jobs that don’t require experience in that field.”
She further explained that the private sector invests in the public sector to give back to the community.
“We see a gap between youth and employment, so we want to bridge that gap. You can register on our website to see the opportunities available,” Rodolo added.
The Department of Labour’s supervisor of registration services, Ansley Jacobus, admitted that, in the past, they have failed to provide adequate jobs for the unemployed. Jacobus said this year, they are working with the private sector to ensure residents get employed.
“Today, we take their information and add it to our system. When the private sector wants employees, they contact us, and we can present your information to them.
“We have career counsellor who advises on how one should conduct themselves in a workspace or how to tackle their interview process,” he revealed.
The centre was packed with residents, young and old, some of whom were in the queue from early in the morning.
One was 37-year-old Benjamin Mabiza, who lost his job in 2020 during Covid-19. He has applied for work for the past four years with no luck.
“Unemployment results in people abusing substances or alcohol and engaging in criminal activities. It is unfortunate, but it’s the reality for many. I hope this programme will be fruitful because getting employment can improve many people’s lives,” he said.
Soko concluded by encouraging people to identify their calling. Before registering his learning academy, he applied for many jobs with no success.
“It is your calling that will open doors for you. If your calling is to be an entrepreneur, you should apply for funding and start your business.
He encouraged the community to be self-sufficient by starting small businesses.
“Start small, plant a garden and sell vegetables to get an income daily,” Soko said.
