TANDO NKUNGWANA
With the number of jobless graduates increasing locally, Bumb’ingomso’s work link intervention project — which provides in-service training for unemployed graduates — urgently needs more local businesses from Buffalo City to join as host employers to meet the growing demand.
Youth unemployment is sitting at a staggering 53.3% in the Eastern Cape, with 20% representing youth with tertiary education who remain unemployed, desperately seeking employment opportunities.
In 2023, Bumb’ingomso, together with Masibumbane Development Organisation and DG Murray Trust, launched the programme aimed at eradicating youth unemployment.
This programme links exiting students from Lovedale TVET College and Buffalo City College to work integrated learning as part of their qualification requirement towards acquiring a national diploma. Additionally, the organisation offers comprehensive work-readiness workshops.
Bumb’ingomso’s communications officer Lihle Mvusi said the organisation has found young people struggled to find employment because they lacked the practical experience and work readiness that employers often seek, while youth unemployment is making it impossible for young job seekers to acquire practical experience and work readiness.
The manager of this programme, Zintle Nondwangu, said this project contributes towards the broader aim of the organisation’s HIV prevention project. By connecting young women and men within the East London community to skills-based training and employment opportunities, this could ensure that they are educated and financially empowered and therefore less vulnerable to circumstances that could lead to them contracting HIV/Aids.
“The programme aligns with one of the organisation’s key strategies, ‘cradle to college’, which aims to support pupils from an early age through to their post-secondary education.”
As part of this programme, once the participants have undergone workshops and training, the work link intervention then facilitates student placement by establishing and maintaining relationships with industries, sourcing potential host employees, and linking students to relevant work opportunities.
Mvusi urged potential host employers to come on board and assist in providing work-integrated learning placements.
Mvusi said: “By partnering with us, employers not only contribute to the growth of skilled, job-ready individuals, but help shape the future workforce by investing in SA’s youth.
“We value these partnerships as they create a win-win scenario. Employers benefit from fresh perspectives and the opportunity to help nurture the next generation of talent, while students gain invaluable experience that enhances their employability and career prospects.”
Ultimately, Bumb’ingomso’s goal is to ensure that young people have the opportunities and support they need to complete their qualifications, achieve their career goals and contribute to society.
