Gauteng pours R140m into new jobs initiative

With less than six months to go before the 2014 general elections, the Gauteng government has dangled a R140-million jobs carrot in front of weary and unemployed youths.

The move is likely to be seen as an attempt by the ANC-led government to woo young voters.

Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, alongside West Rand district mayor Mpho Nawa, who is also West Rand ANC chairman, unveiled the project in Kagiso, west of Johannesburg, yesterday.

Mokonyane announced that 4564 Gauteng residents would benefit from the project, known as Zivuseni Reloaded. They would be given seven-month contracts, with the possibility of an extension.

The project is to end in April.

Successful individuals were chosen from the province's indigent register, with preference given to women heading households (50%), youths (40%) and people with disabilities.

Several youths in attendance expressed cautious optimism.

Charles Motsoeneng, 32, welcomed the initiative but wondered whether the project was an election gimmick that would fade away once the ANC had won.

Simphiwe Hlatshwayo, 24, of Katlehong on the East Rand, expressed hope that she would benefit from the skills transfer after having been turned down "numerous times" at job interviews because of a lack of work experience.