Department of Cooperative Governance launched Community Work Programme to hit Unemployment, aid skill development

Kwatsaduza (South Africa) : The Department of Cooperative Governance is inviting interested participants from around Kwatsaduza to join their Community Work Programme initiative.

The programme is aimed at alleviating the problem of unemployment while helping residents to acquire skills. Ekurhuleni site manager Veli Ndaba explains that the programme was initiated for the second time in April in Ekurhuleni, after the pilot phase first started in Tembisa in 2011. It was however stopped due to some problems.

“The initiative gives work opportunities to community members for two days a week.

“Currently it is in 51 wards in Ekurhuleni with 1 275 participants not employees, as we want people to move forward with better opportunities when they are confident enough with the acquired skills.

“Since the participants also work for a small amount of days, we encourage them to use the rest of the week or month to do other work for themselves with skills they have, so they can get an extra income,” he says.

Ndaba adds that as each ward has its own priorities, the skills training varies for each ward.

One of the requirements of those wishing to be part of the programme, is that since the stipend they get is not much they need to work in the ward they reside in.

People who are interested in this initiative should be between the ages of 18 to 60 years old. Those who are above 60, in a good healthy condition and have legit reasons for seeking to be part of the programme, eg grandparent looking after orphans, they can try to assist.

Locals interested in joining the initiative can contact Ndaba on 076 016 0141.

Note: News shared for public awareness with reference from the information provided at online news portals.