Employment and Labour Minister, Thulasi Nxesi in partnership with Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and the Eastern Cape Provincial Government launched 33 activation programmes at the East London International Convention Centre on Friday of the 19 April 2024. The launch took place as a media session, and form part of a national roll-out plan to create more than 700 000 employment opportunities across the country, this programme will also help to alleviate the high rate in largely rural Eastern Cape Province.
Speaking at the Launch Minister Nxesi said through the Unemployment Insurance Fund’s (UIF) Labour Activation Programme 56 583 residents of the Eastern Cape Province will be skilled for the job market or enabled to start their own businesses. “We have 33 projects that are recommended and which will cover 56 583 beneficiaries at a budget of R1.9 billion. After comprehensive assessment and due diligence, these service providers were approved for relevant skills required by the letter of appointment” said Nxesi. During the launch, Nxesi formally introuced 7 training providers from Chris Hani District that had received conditional approval from the UIF.
According to Nxesi the leading cause of unemployment in the country is a lack of relevant skills required by the labour market. In the end, he said “Government decided to massif skill development and job creation in response to persistent high level of unemployment and sluggish economic growth, utilizing platforms such as LAP. An amount of R23.8 billion has been allocated to implement labour activation programs nationally, pursuant to a target of more than 2 million opportunities and for the Eastern Cape launch, 12 service providers were approved, covering 26 368 beneficiaries with a budget of R812 million. The project will be implemented in sectors such as agriculture, service, ICT, construction, engineering, hospitality, marketing, manufacturing and new venture creation”. Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane has welcomed the launch of Labour Activation Programs in the Eastern Cape which promises to generate thousands of employment opportunities, significantly impacting the socio-economic landscape of the province. “As the labour Activation Program takes effect, they are anticipated to not only provide employment but also contribute to the overall development and prosperity of the Eastern Cape Province. The initiative aligns with the government broader strategy to uplift communities and stimulate economic growth” said Mabuyene. Mabuyane pledged the provincial government’s full support for the programme, he urged all stakeholders to uphold principles of honesty and integrity throughout the implementation, to positively impact the lives of beneficiaries and foster sustainable development in the province. He further called for stringent monitoring mechanisms to prevent fraudulent activities.