The Gauteng Provincial Government has been implementing innovative ways to tackle the staggering youth unemployment issue in South Africa. The province has adopted the slogan, “Less Talk, More Work.” Through the ongoing Nasi iSpani initiative, tens of thousands of jobs have been created in 2023 across provincial departments and associated companies. Gauteng Premier, Panyazi Lesufi, vowed at an event at the Orlando Stadium that 6,000 jobs will be created every month into 2024; providing young people with the necessary skills to lift themselves out of poverty.

So far, appointed candidates have received training/will be trained as crime prevention wardens, maintenance staff, solar panel technicians, and other worthwhile positions. Already the government is looking for young people to install free internet and Wi-Fi in townships, informal settlements, and hostels, as well as data capturers.

The Last-Mile Delivery Programme in Partnership with Uber Eats

Uber Eats has recognised the government’s efforts in the region and has stepped in to lend a hand. This week, MEC for Economic Development, Tasneem Motara, together with the Uber Eats platform will be introducing the Economic Development & Uber Eats Last-Mile Opportunities Programme. This initiative will assist 10,000 South Africans in taking over Uber deliveries by providing them with motorbikes, skills, and funding. The partnership will “unlock the e-commerce market access for township products” and “unlock direct Last-Mile Delivery employment opportunities for fleet managers and the youth.”

An R200 Million Investment into the Township Economy Through the Last-Mile Delivery Programme

An official letter to the Premier indicates that Uber Eats S.A., in partnership with the Gauteng Department for Economic Development, will be investing R200 million to open up opportunities that will:

• Expand the township e-commerce footprint to continue to support the growth of township economies.
• Allow access to new opportunities through participation in the digital economy and logistics.
• Focus on creating job opportunities through merchant and driver partnerships.
• Drive safety as a strategic priority.

The partnership will also:

• Recruit and contract 2,000 motorbike drivers.
• Identify and onboard 2,000 township merchants.
• Identify and onboard 2,000 township licensed liquor traders.
• Provide access to tools of trade.

If you are interested, you must make your way to the Chris Hani Hall in Vosloorus, Friday, 4 August 2023, at 9 am.