Cape Town Commits R77 Million to Employ and Upskill Youth in Informal Settlements

Cape Town, South Africa - The City of Cape Town is taking decisive action to combat youth unemployment and the shortage of skilled labor in the area's informal settlements by earmarking R77 million for a comprehensive skills development programme. The substantial financial commitment signifies a substantial move towards the upskilling and employment of young people within these disadvantaged communities.

The initiative, led by the City's Water and Sanitation Directorate, forms an integral component of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) that covers the upcoming 2024/2025 fiscal period. It is particularly focused on youths between the ages of 18 to 35, aiming to present them with the dual benefits of job opportunities and accredited training. Through a strategic approach, 955 individuals will be inducted into the workforce.

These individuals will be signed on temporary 18-month contracts and will take on roles as janitors. The extended duration of employment compared to traditional one-year contracts is a thoughtful approach by the City, allowing for a more sustained impact on the lives of these young workers and affording them a suitable runway to prepare for the competitive job market.

The responsibilities of the janitors will be crucial for the maintenance of sanitation within the informal settlements. They are tasked with ensuring the hygiene and general upkeep of the community toilets. However, the scope of the programme extends well beyond daily cleaning duties.

Participating youth will be the beneficiaries of training in various skill areas including plumbing, computer literacy, customer relations, driving, and financial literacy. This training will occur during regular employment hours, allowing the program to integrate learning with practical work experience seamlessly. Each successful completion of a module will be recognized with a certificate of competence accompanied by National Qualifications Framework (NQF) credits, adding formal value to their newly acquired skills.

The aim of the programme is multi-layered, as it not only attempts to reduce unemployment rates but also bridges the existing skills gaps within these communities. Furthermore, it hopes to provide participants with meaningful work experience that will elevate their competitiveness in the broader job market.

By focusing on this aspect of community development, the programme also endeavors to bolster confidence, self-reliance, and social integration amongst the youth. This holistic development is supplemented with enhanced customer relations training, promising to improve the overall delivery of service within these settings.

Councillor Zahid Badroodien, the City's Mayco Member for Water and Sanitation, articulated the underlying vision behind the programme and the extendable contracts. Highlighting the importance of investment in the youth, he underlined the administration's intent to position them advantageously for future opportunities. Their official employment through the City or City-appointed contractors will ensure a structured and impactful experience.

The initiative, apart from empowering the individual, also promises to enhance the living conditions within the informal settlements. Through such strategic human capital investments and community-oriented service improvements, the City of Cape Town is setting a precedent for other municipalities grappling with similar challenges.