Minister Nxesi launches Labour activation programmes in Limpopo

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi on Tuesday launched the 8th edition of the Labour Activation Programme Project at Xilumani Hotel in Giyani. 

The programme was hosted by the Unemployment Insurance Fund [UIF], an entity of the Department of Employment and Labour. It was led by Minister Nxesi, his Deputy Minister Boitumelo Moloi,  as well as the MEC Provincial Treasury Seaparo Sekoati, MEC Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Rodgers Monama and MEC for Sport Nakedi Kekana.

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Teboho Maruping, who is the Commissioner of the UIF, kick-started the launch. He gave by a brief background about the purpose of these Labour Activation Programs. Also the role the UIF plays in them. He mentioned that it is a self-funded structure with paid benefits that preserves jobs. Enhances employability, enables entrepreneurship, and promotes economic growth.

MEC Sekoati also reflected on how the Province has created over 180 000 jobs. “We acknowledge the contribution that this will bring to the already growing fight against unemployment that we are making. Last year alone we created 180 000 jobs, making us the second growing province in South Africa,” said Sekoati. 

There are over 44 700 who will benefit from the 11 sectors that’s includes agriculture, ICT, construction, tourism and others. Lesiba Obed Molokomme, one of the beneficiaries of the program, amongst many others, expressed gratitude to all the stakeholders who made it possible for him to receive this opportunity of nurturing his skills and becoming employable.

“Now I know what I’m capable of and have the knowledge I need to succeed,” he said.

The Minister of Employment & Labour in his keynote address emphasised the efficiency and practicality of these programs.

“With the statistics of unemployment rapidly increasing in South Africa, only substantial economic recovery and development will rescue the country’s unemployment woes,” entailed Minister Nxesi. 

LABOUR ACTIVATION PROGRAMME OFFICIALLY LAUCHED IN GIYANI, LIMPOPO 

The Minister further added that these Labour Activation Programs are not a silver bullet that can be used to end unemployment. But can be used to bridge the gap between job seekers and empowerment through skills development. To ensure and monitor the efficiency of these programmes, the Department of Employment & Labour has appointed a Labour Activation Manager to oversee everything.

“The ultimate target for now is to create two million employment opportunities for young people in South Africa,” concluded Nxesi.