Story: Nikilitha Burns
The Labour Activation Programme through Food Aggregation was held today at the Thobi-Kula Indoor Sport Centre under the Chris Hani District Municipality.
Chris Hani District Municipality Executive Mayor Cllr Lusanda Sizani said the programme is implemented in partnership with the Unemployment Insurance Fund and the Department of Employment and Labour.
Sizani highlighted that the programme will focus mainly on agriculture, noting that the Eastern Cape is known as a province with strong agricultural potential. He added that the district municipality is committed to supporting all local municipalities within Chris Hani.
He further explained that the programme was introduced through the Department of Employment and Labour and emphasized that this is not a once-off initiative. More programmes are expected to be rolled out to continue assisting communities and creating opportunities.
Meanwhile, Anele Jozela from the UIF, speaking on behalf of the Department of Employment and Labour, outlined the different opportunities available. He said the UIF funds three types of programmes: learnerships, skills programmes, and apprenticeships.
Jozela explained that apprenticeships will run for three years, learnerships for 12 months, and skills programmes for a period of three to six months. He also noted that a 2% contribution will be deducted from participants’ stipends towards the UIF.
“The aim of the UIF is to ensure that participants are trained and upskilled in specific fields. After training and graduation, there may be opportunities for employment, either on a permanent or contract basis,” he said.
Participants were also briefed on the rules and expectations for attending the programme. In terms of stipends, apprentices will receive R3 500 per month, which includes both theoretical and practical training. Learnership participants will receive R3 000, while those in skills programmes will receive R2 000.
The programme is expected to play a key role in equipping residents with skills and improving their chances of employment
