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President Cyril Ramaphosa says it’s expected that the government’s R800 million Social Employment Fund will create around 50 000 work opportunities.
Writing in his weekly column on Monday, the President said the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition lead this process which will be managed by the Industrial Development Corporation.
“Applications are now open for organisations to become the fund’s Strategic Implementing Partners. These partners must be able to create work for at least 1,000 participants, and will be expected to reach the employment target within the first quarter of implementation,” he said.
Ramaphosa said no less than 80% of the funds received need to be spent on wages.
“This will ensure that the work supported by the Fund is labour intensive, provides meaningful experience and delivers real social value. Social employment is not about work alone, but about creating high-quality assets and services for communities,” Ramaphosa said.
He said public employment programmes are particularly important when there are not enough jobs being created in the private sector.
“As our economy starts to recover from the effects of COVID-19, public employment fills a vital gap as companies get back on their feet and start hiring again,” the President added.
“Work opportunities under the Social Employment Fund will be part-time, which he said “means more people can participate and participants can be employed and have a secure income for longer. This gives participants the time to develop the structure, skills and networks associated with participation in work.”
Ramaphosa said as the International Labour Organization notes, work experience and skills acquired through public employment programmes can improve a person’s chances of being employed, becoming self-employed or starting their own business.
