In an effort to combat unemployment and poverty in the Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg areas, the Department of Employment and Labour has officially opened two Employment Centres. The Deputy Minister, Ms Boitumelo Moloi, emphasized the importance of safeguarding these centres from criminal activities during the opening ceremony held at the Johannesburg Labour Centre on July 7, 2023.
Deputy Minister Moloi appealed to the community, urging them to protect and cherish the newly operative Employment Centres, recognizing their value in supporting job seekers and shaping the future of Gauteng. She emphasized the need to engage young people, providing them with opportunities that would prevent them from falling victim to substance abuse and its adverse impact on individuals, families, and communities. The Deputy Minister highlighted the potential of the Employment Centres and Mobile Units to host education and awareness programs, as well as life skills training initiatives.
This inauguration follows the official launch of 14 Public Employment Services mobile buses at NASREC on July 6, 2023, demonstrating the government’s commitment to addressing the unemployment crisis. While acknowledging that the two newly opened Centres alone cannot resolve all unemployment and poverty issues in Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg, Deputy Minister Moloi called for collaborative efforts between various government entities and private sector stakeholders to improve education and skills development.
Situated in the heart of Johannesburg, the Johannesburg Labour Centre, where one of the Employment Centres is located, ensures easy access for work-seekers who rely on public transportation. Its proximity to both public and private universities within the area further enhances its convenience. Currently, the unemployment rate in Johannesburg stands at 32.7 percent, slightly lower than the province’s overall rate of 34.3 percent.
Meanwhile, the Germiston Labour Centre, located in the City of Ekurhuleni, aims to serve the community in an area with an unemployment rate of 33.4 percent. The Employment Centre in Germiston is strategically positioned near multiple private and public colleges and training service providers. Its reach extends to the broader Germiston, Boksburg, Benoni, Kempton Park, Katlehong, and Tembisa communities, ensuring that work-seekers have access to essential services.
The Department of Employment and Labour views the Employment Centres and Mobile Units as active interventions in the labor market. They aim to foster collaboration with employers and training authorities in the Gauteng Region, leveraging these partnerships to provide greater opportunities for job seekers and enhance skills development initiatives.
The launch of these Employment Centres marks a significant step forward in addressing unemployment in Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg. By prioritizing collaboration and community engagement, Deputy Minister Moloi and the Department of Employment and Labour are taking proactive measures to uplift individuals, families, and communities in their pursuit of a better future.
As the Centres begin their operations, it is crucial for the community to rally behind them, ensuring their protection against criminal elements. By actively supporting these initiatives, Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg can pave the way for sustainable economic growth and reduced unemployment rates, ultimately transforming the lives of countless individuals in the region.
