The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has formed a new strategic partnership with the private sector to launch a training and skills development project that will prepare more than 100 000 young people for the job market and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The partnership between provincial government and eLan Foundation’s Shift Africa Project, will also provide skills development for victims of gender-based violence and youth who have faced challenges such as being in conflict with the law.
The economic spin-offs and job opportunities announced during the launch are as a result of the eLan Property Group’s R16 billion Blythedale Coastal Estate Resort development.
Speaking during the partnership launch this week, KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala said the strategic project would enhance economic growth, redistribution and job creation.
“We are launching this project, Shift Africa, where the eLan Foundation and eLan Group (a property investment group) have partnered with the government, especially the Department of Social Development, to train young people and ensure that they are employed in the property development project that will be implemented in the Ilembe District,” Zikalala said.
“One of those projects is the Blythedale Coastal Estate Resort, which is a mega-catalytic project that will attract international investors. It will be the biggest resort in Southern Africa, result in the employment of more than 100 000 people during the construction phase and yield more business opportunities for SMMEs,” he said.
The aims of the project include:
• The development of entry-level programmes that will serve as a gateway to occupationally directed youth skills development.
• Short-term employment and procurement expenditure during construction.
• 20 000 trained personnel will be placed in permanent jobs.
• Incubation of 4 000 SMMEs with guaranteed contracts.
• Guaranteed contracts that lead to sustainable co-operatives.
• Green Economy programmes and the development of social enterprises.
MEC for Social Development, Nonhlanhla Khoza, joined Zikalala at the launch.
The KZN Department of Social Development has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the eLan Group, in its capacity as property developers. The MOU will result in the implementation of development programmes that will respond to socio- economic difficulties facing young people in the province.
Zikalala urged the business sector to continue working with the government to implement high-impact projects to ensure skills development and reduce unemployment.
“This project will help us reduce unemployment and provide skills training for youth and women. The eLan Group has been given a database of young people who have been trained by the Department of Social Development, and some of these trainees are ex-offenders. No one must be condemned; there is a need to rehabilitate ex-offenders and it is important to give them a second chance in life. The ex-offenders who have been trained will also be given an opportunity to work in the Blythedale project and make a meaningful contribution to the growth of our economy,” said Zikalala.
