Latest news with #skillsdevelopment
News24
2 days ago
- Business
- News24
Rallying South Africa towards the Common Good
The Social Employment Fund (SEF), managed by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), is a transformative initiative aimed at combating unemployment in South Africa by supporting work that serves the 'common good.' It partners with civil society organisations like NGOs, community kitchens, ECD centres and faith-based groups to provide meaningful work and promote social cohesion. Since its inception in 2023, over 150,000 people have participated in the programme. Many have never worked before – but have been able to use the skills, capabilities, self-esteem and confidence gained to take the next steps on their pathways out of poverty – into better jobs – or into livelihood and micro-enterprise activity. Building agency at community level SEF-funded projects have led to significant skills transfer in areas such as: Health and Care: Home-based care, maternal health support, psycho-social services. Agriculture: Organic farming, composting, food garden management. Education: ECD facilitation, after-school tutoring, sports programmes. GBV Support: Community-based paralegals, counselling, awareness raising campaigns. Greening and Cleaning: Waste management, Beneficiation of biomass, invasive species removal. Community and public art: Presentation skills, social media usage, Arts and Crafts showcasing and performance Digital Inclusion: Computer & research skills, data gathering and survey process These programmes not only provide income, but also foster community agency and resilience, reinforcing a sense of purpose among participants. Case studies of impact 1. Johannesburg Inner City Partnership (JICP) In partnership with the City of Johannesburg, JICP addresses urban regeneration by employing 1,600 participants through NGOs like Urban Space Management and Clean City SA. Participants clean public spaces, plant gardens and help reduce crime through placemaking. Youth-focused programmes such as Sport for Social Change combine recreation with life skills training, promoting safety and community pride. 2. Hlanganisa Institute: Sisterhood Advocates Operating in provinces like Free State and Limpopo, Hlanganisa has trained over 2,600 'Pinkies'—female paralegals who support survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). With SEF support, their reach expanded from 391 to 6,000 GBV cases handled monthly, highlighting how social employment can significantly scale up effective community initiatives. 3. Food Security: Seriti Institute and Solidaridad Network Addressing hunger, Seriti developed an agri-node in Deelpan, North West, offering fresh produce and reducing clinic visits due to improved health. Solidaridad empowered 1,650 smallholder farmers with technology and market access in Gauteng, Eastern Cape and North West, contributing to long-term household food security. The Social Employment Fund is part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus, in support of the social economy strategy of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. The Industrial Development Corporation is the fund manager.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Cape Town's young hospitality stars rise through Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator
As Youth Month honours the sacrifices that shaped South Africa's democracy, it also shines a light on the young talent now redefining key industries. Hospitality, long a training ground for creativity, resilience, and opportunity, continues to open doors for the country's youth. At Cape Town's Radisson Red Waterfront, three young professionals are proving what's possible when passion meets opportunity. Alicia Blauw, Julius Petersen, and Sibulele Fon are making their mark in the industry through their journey with Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator. Connecting youth to hospitality careers Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator is a South African non-profit organisation dedicated to tackling youth unemployment by linking young people with skills development, work opportunities, and career pathways. By partnering with businesses and training providers, Harambee is helping build sustainable careers in sectors like hospitality. Alicia Blauw: Finding purpose through confidence "This programme gave me the training and support I needed to prepare for the hospitality industry," says Blauw, now a food and drinks creative. She has found not only confidence, but also purpose. "Before this, youth were often overlooked, many sitting at home without work or a future. But this programme gives hope." Alicia Blauw, Food and Creative, Radisson Red Waterfront A memorable highlight for Blauw was mastering barista skills — a seemingly small achievement that opened the door to self-belief. Her message to fellow young people is clear: 'Never give up hope. There's something meant for you. God gave everyone a purpose. Dream it, then put it into action.' Julius Petersen: Building professionalism and pride Petersen, also a food and drinks creative, credits Harambee with instilling professionalism and teamwork. 'It showed me what's expected in this industry and how to handle it." He values the diversity of the hospitality environment, and one memorable moment: 'I got to meet a celebrity who really liked me." Julius Petersen, Food and Creative, Radisson Red Waterfront For Petersen, Youth Month is a reminder to honour those who paved the way. 'It reminds me not to quit on my dreams and never forget who I am and what I'm capable of.' Sibulele Fon: Growth behind the coffee bar For Fon, now a barista at Radisson Red, the programme created both opportunity and personal growth. 'It educated me about hospitality and helped me get where I am now.' Pulling his first coffee behind the bar was a defining moment. Sibulele Fon, Barista, Radisson Red Waterfront It also boosted his social confidence. 'My communication skills have improved. I'm more interactive than ever before.' His advice to peers? 'Reach for the stars. Don't limit yourself. You CAN achieve more than you ever expected.' Investing in youth means investing in SA's future All three credit Harambee and Radisson Red for providing an environment where young people can thrive. Their stories capture the spirit of Youth Month, honouring the past while actively building a brighter, more inclusive future. Blauw, Petersen, and Fon show that with the right support, young South Africans can lead with creativity, courage, and heart.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Employment and Labour Committee Welcomes Presentations on 2025-2030 Strategic and 2025/26 Annual Performance Plans of the Compensation Fund and Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF)
The Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour has welcomed presentations on the 2025-2030 strategic plans, 2025/26 annual performance plans and budget estimates of the Compensation Fund and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). The Compensation Fund and UIF are entities of the Department of Employment and Labour. The committee encouraged them to work in a coordinated manner together with sister entities within the portfolio, such as the Supported Employment Enterprises. The committee believes that there is a minimal impact when the department and its entities work in silos on skills training and programmes to empower people living with disabilities. The committee has directed the UIF to put measures in place to monitor and evaluate the impact made through its Labour Activation Programme. This programme is the department's initiative to minimise unemployment and stimulate job creation through skills development and financial assistance to employers and employees through the Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS); it is implemented through the UIF. The committee has encouraged the Compensation Fund and UIF to strengthen their ICT infrastructure to improve the turnaround time on benefit payments and minimise queues at service centres. Having been briefed on the 2025-2030 strategic plans, 2025/26 annual performance plans and the medium-term expenditure framework of the department and its entities, the committee will now meet on Friday, 27 June 2025, to consider its 2025 budget vote report. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
CTV News
4 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Summer camps aim to spark interest among youth in a career in the trades
Students in northern Ontario will have the chance this summer to take part in weeklong summer camps that aim to spark interest in a career in the trades. Loading the player instance is taking more time than usual Loading the player instance is taking more time than usual Skills Ontario is holding its 10th Trades & Tech Summer Camp in July and August. The province-wide camps include specialty camps for Indigenous youth, French-speaking youth and all-girls camps. 'It's a great experience … in a fun environment, too,' said Ian Howcroft, Skills Ontario CEO. 'We want to ensure young people have the opportunity to meet other like-minded individuals who are also interested in exploring the skilled trades. Howcroft said the weeklong camps have opened many eyes for people who otherwise may not have considered a career in the trades. Amed at students Grades 7-9 'We've had people say, now I want to go on and become a millwright -- and they never even heard of what a millwright was or what a millwright did until they attended the camp,' he said. The 30 summer camps will be open to students in Grades 7-9; however. Howcroft said accommodations can be made for students just short of the criteria. The summer camps aim to inspire a new generation to join the trades. 'We're all about building the workforce of the future (and) letting people know what a career in the skilled trades is all about,' Howcroft said. 'The best way to do that is to provide information, to provide an opportunity to try a trade.' Aaron Lazarus of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, said the camps also emphasize the need to work safely when entering the trades. 'We hope that this camp inspires a safety culture, that they really understand what safety means and how important it is to them,' Lazarus said. 'So that when they keep growing and go into the trades or go into whatever role they're going to play, that they bring that safety culture into the workplace with them.' Among the 30 participating schools is Cambrian College in Sudbury. Kim Crane from Cambrian said the camps aim to spark an interest in young people. 'So we have these young, young kids (who) will come into the camps and they're there to explore their interests,' Crane said. Other participating locations in northern Ontario include Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins. There is still time to register for the summer camps. For more information, click here.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
AFA's Doolittle Leadership Center Now on GSA Schedule
ARLINGTON, Va., June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Leader Development Workshops from AFA's Doolittle Leadership Center (DLC) are now listed on the General Services Administration (GSA), making their practical skills training available to more military members and government civilians. The Doolittle Leadership Center workshops use a skills package called "Lead, Develop, Care," a hands-on approach for developing practical leadership skills in any environment. The center's work is part of the non-profit Air & Space Forces Association's education program, which also includes science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programming and college scholarships. "Getting our Leaders Development Workshops on the GSA Schedule ensures our programs are readily available to anyone in government," said DLC Director Dr. Patrick Donley. "Our programming is applicable to everyone, providing practical skills as useful to young military leaders as they are to experienced leaders in civilian agencies." DLC includes its Lead Develop Care workshops for up to 30 individuals at a time. DLC has trained over 2000 Airmen, Guardians, and civilians since the workshop series was launched in the summer of 2024. AFA is listed on the GSA Schedule under multiple offerings, including the Doolittle Leadership Center's workshops and the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies research and policy analysis programs. For more information about the GSA schedule listing or these programs, visit here or contact Patrick Donley at pdonley@ About the Doolittle Leadership Center AFA's Doolittle Leadership Center's mission is "Building Better Leaders." In the spirit of AFA's founding President, Gen. Jimmy Doolittle, the DLC delivers leadership-training courses, workshops, and resources to Air Force, Space Force, and aerospace industry leaders around the world. Using the Lead Develop Care model, the DLC equips cadets, enlisted leaders, officers, and industry professionals with a leadership framework to improve organizational, operational, and individual success. The DLC also organizes the "Senior Mentorship for Junior Leaders" workshop series that connects senior military leaders to the next generation of leaders. About Air & Space Forces Association The Air & Space Forces Association is an independent, non-profit 501(c)3 association dedicated to advocating for investment and support for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, and for supporting Airmen, Guardians, and their Families. Founded in 1946, AFA is the single largest entity of its kind focused on air and space power. With more than 120,000 members and 200 chapters spread around the world, our mission is to promote dominant U.S. Air and Space Forces as the foundation of a strong National Defense; to honor and support Airmen, Guardians, and their Families; and to remember and respect the enduring heritage of the Air and Space Forces. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Air & Space Forces Association Sign in to access your portfolio
