To simultaneously address youth unemployment and bolster the province’s disaster response capabilities, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced a significant new initiative. The program will provide training as disaster care workers for 1,200 unemployed young people across Gauteng. This move comes as a timely response to the province’s rising threat of natural disasters.

Contents

Disaster Care Workers – Addressing Critical Needs

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has unveiled a new program to tackle youth unemployment and strengthen the province’s disaster preparedness capabilities.

The program is a direct response to the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, including floods and extreme weather events, that have impacted Gauteng in recent years. By training a skilled workforce of disaster care workers, the province aims to improve its capacity to respond effectively to these events and reduce the potential for loss of life and property damage.

Skills Development and Employment

Participants in the program will receive comprehensive training in various aspects of disaster management such as:

First aid and emergency medical response.
Search and rescue techniques.
Evacuation procedures.
Community preparedness and resilience.

In addition to developing vital skills, participants will also benefit from a R5,000 stipend during their training, providing them with much-needed financial support.

Commitment to Youth Empowerment

“Our youth are the future of Gauteng, and we are committed to providing them with the opportunities and skills they need to succeed,” said Premier Lesufi. “This initiative not only addresses a critical need in our province but also empowers our young people to become active contributors to their communities.”

The disaster care worker training program is part of the Gauteng government’s broader efforts to address youth unemployment and build a more resilient and sustainable province.

While training them to be disaster care workers, we will provide R5K stipend for the year long training. 1200 unemployed youth in class not on our streets. Less talk, more work! Gauteng, home of opportunities. On the 6th April, we will do the same with 500K unemployed people of… pic.twitter.com/GnIXI9ZkSG
— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) April 2, 2024

Similar Upcoming Initiatives by the Gauteng Provincial Government:

Focus Areas

The Gauteng Provincial Government prioritizes several areas likely to see upcoming initiatives:

Youth Empowerment and Skills Development: Expect programs like the disaster care worker training initiative, with a focus on providing young people with marketable skills and job opportunities. Look for initiatives in sectors like technology, entrepreneurship, and green industries.
Township Economic Revitalisation: The government has committed to revitalizing the economies of townships through infrastructure development, support for small businesses, and attracting investment.
Combating Crime and Improving Safety: Initiatives to address crime are likely to focus on community policing, infrastructure improvements in high-risk areas, and youth intervention programs.
Infrastructure Improvements: The province continues to invest in infrastructure, including roads, transportation, housing, and water and sanitation projects.
E-Governance: The Gauteng government champions the use of technology to improve service delivery and citizen engagement. Expect more e-government initiatives and digital transformation projects.

Where to Find Information

Gauteng Provincial Government website: https://www.gauteng.gov.za/

Monitor the “News”, “Projects”, and “Announcements” sections.

Department Websites: Explore websites of specific departments relevant to the areas mentioned above:

Gauteng Department of Economic Development: https://www.gauteng.gov.za/Departments/DepartmentDetails/CPM-001003
Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development: https://www.gauteng.gov.za/Departments/DepartmentDetails/CPM-001008
Gauteng Department of Social Development: https://www.gauteng.gov.za/Departments/DepartmentDetails/CPM-001011
Gauteng Department of Community Safety: https://www.gauteng.gov.za/Departments/DepartmentDetails/CPM-001001
Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA): This agency is responsible for implementing many of the province’s economic development initiatives – https://www.ggda.co.za/.

News Sources: Follow local and national news outlets in South Africa for updates on new Gauteng government programs and initiatives.

Conclusion

The Gauteng government’s disaster care worker training program demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing both societal challenges and potential future crises. By investing in the skills development of its unemployed youth, the province is building a more resilient workforce while also ensuring it has the resources necessary to protect its citizens in the face of natural disasters.