Skills and Capacity Development

 In terms of skills development, the City has improved the employment prospects of the youth and it is being implemented in collaboration with the private sector.

The programme was implemented using 14 local youth offices that provide business training, funding application and referrals to other support programmes. The City has appointed over 6 332 young people to the work readiness programme and internships.

In advancing skills development, the City increased its bursary allocation from R10m to R100m per annum in 2017. So far, the scheme has benefitted almost 9 000 young people and over R470m has been spent to date in developing the local skills base.

Work opportunities are also creates through Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). Short-term opportunities were created during the construction of infrastructure projects within the communities including water and sanitation, roads and storm water, local housing programmes. One of the most successful programmes implemented through EPWP is a three-year plumber’s apprentice programme where trainees receive a fully accredited plumber’s certificate at the end of the programme.

The work readiness placement programme also assists graduates in gaining some experience that will go a long way to finding employment.