IOL News reports that the City of Cape Town is taking a significant step to tackle youth unemployment and skills shortages in informal settlements with a R77 million skills development programme.

This initiative, led by the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate, aims to empower 955 young individuals from these areas by providing them with job opportunities and accredited training. As part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) for the 2024/2025 financial year, the City will employ the youths on temporary, 18-month contracts as janitors. The Directorate's Informal Settlements Basic Services Branch will ensure that toilets in informal settlements are kept clean and well-maintained. The janitors will not only perform essential cleaning duties but will also receive training in various fields, including plumbing, computer literacy, customer relations, driver's licence, and financial literacy. Each completed module will award participants with a certificate of competence, recognised with National Qualifications Framework (NQF) credits. The new programme targets individuals aged 18 to 35 who are either directly employed by the City or working through City-appointed contractors. The 18-month contracts will require janitors to work six days a week, with training sessions scheduled during regular working hours. The selection process will involve a written assessment, and priority will be given to candidates with demonstrated literacy skills.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ronewa Jessica Mashamba at IOL News

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