The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey recently released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) paints a grim picture on youth unemployment. It shows that unemployment increased by 0.1 % to 32.6% in the first quarter of 2021, from 32.5% in the last quarter of 2020.
Of major concern is the data which shows an alarming increase in the number of young people, aged between 15 and 24, that are not in employment, education and training (NEET). The data further shows that the rate for females in this category is higher than that of their male counterparts.
It is against this information, which has been exacerbated by the advent of the global COVID-19 pandemic that the Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu, will on Saturday, 5 June 2021 kick off the Youth Month activities with the official launch of Lulwazi Lwethu Youth Skills Centre in Nyanga Township, Cape Town.
The Skills Centre will offer an array of new skills training programmes relevant to the economy and assist young people to prepare for the future of work, including digital skills.
As part of this year’s Child Protection Week campaign currently underway from 31 May-6 June 2021, Minister Zulu will participate in an interactive Children’s Forum organised by Molo Songololo in Blikkiesdorp, Delft. The forum brings together children aged between 12 and 17 in and around Delft Township to discuss issues relating to the safety and protection of children in families, communities and public spaces. The forum will also focus on creating safe spaces for children especially those living in communities affected by crime, violence and gangsterism.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the Minister’s outreach programme in the Western Cape Province scheduled as follows:
Official opening of Lulwazi Lethu youth skills centre programme
Date: Saturday, 5 June 2021
Time: 9h00 – 11h00
Venue: KTC Hall, Nyanga – Cape Town
Children’s forum
Date: Saturday, 05 June 2021
Time: 11h30 – 13h00
Venue: Welwitschia Primary School, 39 Welwitschia St, Blikkiesdorp – Delft South, Cape Town
Media can RSVP by contacting Ms Sharlene Naiker on 082 673 5849 / SharleneN@dsd.gov.za
Media enquiries:
Ms Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
E-mail: lumkao@dsd.gov.za