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The war against youth unemployment starts now

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Athol Trollip in Ward 39
Athol Trollip in Ward 39. Editor: “Looks like White men can dance”

The following is an extract from a speech delivered today by Athol Trollip to young unemployed residents in Ward 39, Rowallan Park, Nelson Mandela Bay, while on his 60 wards in 60 days tour of the Metro.

It is unacceptable that 47.3% of our NMB youth face unemployment and uncertain futures as a result of a stagnant economy and a disinterested government. It saddens and angers me that NMB Metro suffers the worst youth unemployment in South Africa.

I am in Rowallan Park today because the DA is committed to solving the youth unemployment crisis in this Metro. So many people I have met today are desperate for change, and desperate for jobs. We want to make NMB into a jobs Metro – a City for Jobs!

The DA has developed a “Jobs for Youth” programme, which will be rolled out after the 2016 elections:

  • An internship programme managed through the Special Programmes Directorate will focus on employing young people as interns, and will report directly to the Mayor.
  • Government directorates will directly train interns to impart comprehensive skills, and will be tested monthly.
  • Opportunity centres will be opened across the Metro where young people will be able to engage with specialists and experts. Comprehensive assistance will be offered in interview training, CV preparation and job applications.
  • Job Zones will be established, in partnership with opportunity centres. These will be checkpoints for employment availability and will provide communication from government on upcoming job opportunities in government and in the private sector.

In addition to this, the DA has already rolled out an entrepreneurship competition which will see a chosen individual mentored by a well-known local businessman in order for them to achieve their entrepreneurship dreams. This competition is just an example of how the DA will deliver hands on skills improvement, when we are in government to many many more young people.

The DA is set on winning the Bay at next year’s elections to work towards starting delivery, stopping corruption and creating jobs. I am committed to Jobs for Youth, and the young people in Rowallan Park have reaffirmed my commitment today.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.