
The stark reality of the unemployment crisis in the Eastern Cape was once again highlighted by the staggering response of 31,652 applicants for 150 recruitment positions at the Transport Department.
These positions, a bursary-backed trainee programme, do not guarantee a full-time post after successful completion.
In response to a parliamentary question from the Democratic Alliance (DA), Roads and Trasport MEC, Xolile Nqatha revealed that In Alfred Nzo alone, 4,955 individuals applied, while Amathole saw 5,890 applications. Chris Hani recorded 4,902 applicants, followed by Joe Gqabi with 4,284. OR Tambo received 5,553 applications, and Sara Baartman topped the list with 6,068 hopefuls.
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The consequence of government failures is a deepening unemployment crisis where the youth are hardest hit, with 70% of young people aged 15 to 24 unable to get jobs. The Eastern Cape’s unemployment rate reached a staggering 41.9% in the fourth quarter of 2023. When you include discouraged work seekers, the expanded rate topped 47.1%.
The vast number of applications further added to the administrative burden of the Department, which had to process each applicant to determine the final candidates. Despite vigorous screening, five recruits had to be withdrawn for having criminal records, and another was dismissed for submitting a fake matric certificate.
Even if the remaining 144 recruits do make it to the end of the year-long training, there is no guarantee that they will be employed after the year-long training programme as the department does not have the funds. They do not even receive a stipend during their 12 months of training.
MEC Nqatha initially revealed that there was not even adequate funding for the recruits to complete the certification, because of the current financial constraints facing the Department. However, in a follow-up response, additional funds to the tune of R3.2 million have now been made available from Programme 4.
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The DA believes in building a capable state that recognises that its role is to create the conditions for private enterprises to flourish. The state’s role is to give every person the opportunities they need to participate in a growing economy, while at the same time providing a strong social welfare safety net for the most vulnerable.
The DA plans to create more jobs for our youth by introducing a Youth Employment Opportunity Certificate which will empower young people to break free from the constraints of the minimum wage, giving them better chances of finding jobs.
The certificate will be valid for two years and will be implemented to give unemployed people who have not been employed for 12 months or more the right to exempt themselves from sectoral wage agreements. This policy will make it easier for employers to hire those who have been out of work for long periods of time.
It is still possible to rescue South Africa from becoming a failed state, but this requires every voter to get behind the DA so that we can get South Africa moving in the right direction.
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