Statement by the Mayco Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos

This week, I got an opportunity to meet beneficiaries of Jobs Connect, the City of Cape Town’s flagship Workforce Development project.

Jobs Connect was launched less than a year ago after I tasked the City’s Workforce Development officials within the Enterprise and Investment Department to come up with a platform that was easy to use and removed the cost barriers associated with finding employment. According to at least one study, simply searching for employment can cost almost R1 000.

The platform, which is facilitated by Leelyn Management, has two overarching goals:

1. to provide knowledge, training and employment opportunities to jobseekers across the city, particularly those who do not have the means to access such opportunities; and

2. to link small businesses and corporates to the appropriate talent.

The programme has already recruited and assessed just under 38 960 people, trained more than 5 123 in work readiness, and placed 2 783 in jobs and learning opportunities across Cape Town.

During my visit to the I-CAN Centre in Elsies River – where I was joined by Alderman Clive Justus, the Portfolio Chairperson for Economic Growth; and Alderman Chris Jordaan, the Ward Councillor for Ward 28 – as well as to Kukhula Global Projects, I met some of the Capetonians who Jobs Connect has linked with workforce-ready training.

Kukhula, based in Maitland, empowers students with soft and hard skills to make them work-ready. Courses include sales and customer relations, conflict management, and digital skills.

How does it work?

• Jobseekers need to register their details online at http://jobsconnect.leelyn.co.za and complete a literacy and numeracy assessment. The results of the assessment will be added to a digital CV. The entire process is paperless but people can print out their CVs and assessment results.

• Business owners who are looking for talent can also easily register as an employer by contacting info@leelyn.co.za

• Small businesses are the backbone of employment and innovation in South Africa which is why it is imperative that we as local government provide the necessary support structures. In fact, the City has invested in multiple programmes and initiatives that will foster growth for Cape Town-based businesses.

• I am immensely proud of this initiative that is helping Cape Town to make further inroads into the fight against unemployment and poverty.

Source: City Of Cape Town