Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
23 June 2023 | 18:24 CAT

Image: The Impact Catalyst | LinkedIn

Unemployment remains a harsh reality in the country; South Africa’s unemployment rate in the first quarter of 2023 was recorded at 32.9% and is among the highest in the world. While multiple factors can be attributed to this high unemployment rate, inadequate education and training continue to be a stumbling block that hinders the eradication of poverty, inequality and unemployment.

In response to this plight, the Impact Catalyst (IC), together with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), through the Social Employment Fund (SEF) programme, created 4 000 temporary jobs in the previous financial year as a response to the skills and unemployment crisis in South Africa.

The Social Employment Fund is a grant that supports social and economic activities within communities to increase employment and the development of SMEs.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Impact Catalyst’s Social Employment Fund Programme manager, Rhiyaan Cupido, highlighted the fund’s initiative.

According to Cupido, Impact Catalyst and 28 other strategic implementation partners and the IDC has created over 50 000 jobs in the last year.

“Impact Catalyst deployed the 4 000 participants in six different provinces, including the Free State, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, Gauteng and North West under various activities,” Cupido said.

The programme focuses on empowering unemployed people with skills.

According to Cupido, there are two parts to the skills development of the program. One part focuses on functional and formal skills, while the other looks at informal or non-accredited skills.

“Essentially, we wish to achieve in making participants employable as the program focuses on the development of skills in order to empower and take charge of their lives,” said Cupido.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with host Annisa Essack.