Inner City Gazette by Inner City Gazette

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Est 2009 Tel : 011 023-7588 / 011 402 - 1977 Inner-City Gazette

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Issue 24 - 2019

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20 - 27 June 2019

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Inner City Gazette

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UJ study recommends youth jobs programmes

Youth employment programmes are critical for promoting human capability skills, and creating an interface with potential employers Lameez Omarjee

he Sikhaya Youth Assets Study, released last Wednesday by researchers of the Centre for Social Development in Africa at the University of Johannesburg, sought to address SA youth unemployment. Researchers interviewed 1 996 young people; aged between 18 to 35 four times over three years to come to the findings of the study. Among the findings is that youth unemployment programmes are useful in equipping job seekers in their search for work, and financial capability interventions appear to have a promising impact which requires further investigation. The study showed that youth employment programmes are critical for promoting human capability skills, easing access to information about the labour market and creating an interface between potential employers and young people. Additionally, they can reduce gaps created by the challenges of low education levels and geographic locations. “They play a role in sup-

porting unemployed youth to remain oriented to the labour market and persist with work seeking,” the report read. The study recognised that in a low growth economic environment, few jobs are created. This exacerbates existing barriers to employment. Particularly young people from privileged backgrounds and have access to good quality education transition “relatively smoothly” from higher education to their first full-time jobs, according to the study. “But for the majority of young people in South Africa, who come from poorer socio-economic households, and who have attended schools that provide them with a less than ideal education base, the pathway into and through the labour market is far more difficult to navigate,” the report read. For this reason youth employment programmes are needed to bridge the gap, the study suggested. “Youth employability programmes remain important in supporting such youth to access the benefits of a growing economy,” the report read. Programmes particularly need to

Unemployed youths demonstrate in the street to highlight their plight.

work with employers and find areas of job growth, so that youth can be trained to meet job requirements. The programmes are also needed to keep the unemployed active in their search for work. The study showed that along with a combination of other factors, those

who participated in programmes improved their employment rates as well as average earnings. “Young people who participate in such programmes already show high levels of self-efficacy and future orientation, which perhaps explains them applying for the programmes

and places them in a better position in the labour market than those who do not apply,” the report read. Apart from participating in youth employment programmes, the study also indicated that demographic factors such as geographic location also influenced youth employability.

Inner-city Gazette

News

20 - 27 June 2019

Eskom appoints new head of generation

For further information contact Boston on 011 551 2000 Email: info@boston.co.za Visit www.boston.co.za, or Facebook

Tertiary Focus Boston/653

graduate programmes needed to ensure work-readiness among SA youth In the past 15 years, graduate employment has risen in South Africa, despite the country’s exceptionally high unemployment rate. While a third of people are jobless, graduate unemployment has declined to under 5%. This according to new research by a leading think-tank, the Johannesburg-based Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE). “The myth that graduates are struggling to find work can be set aside for now,” says Natalie Rabson, Marketing Manager at Boston City Campus & Business College. “The problem, however, is that graduates who are entering the workplace are not ready for it and a clear skills gap exists between what employers are looking for, and what graduates are capable of offering.” In a 2009 study on South African graduates from the perspective of employers it was already highlighted that a disparity exists between the expectations of employers and the work-readiness of graduates, and that those expectations exceeded the level of work-readiness. “The proliferation of knowledge and skills is crucial to the lifeblood of any selfsustaining economy and it’s become a question of what role can higher education and business play in fostering the 21st century student?” adds Rabson. It has become clear that tertiary institutions need to do much more to help their graduates become work ready. But surely this cannot entirely be their responsibility. Business and industry have to be held accountable as well – whilst universities or colleges are there to help graduates develop analytical and reasoning skills, business does have a role to play in getting students ready for work. “Fortunately it does seem that things are changing for the better

Natalie Rabson and some tertiary institutions are finding themselves driven towards producing graduates more fully prepared for the workplace. This needs to grow, and tertiary institutions and corporates need to create dialogue and communicate on workplace skills and experience. Education therefore needs to ensure that it is meeting the needs of its ultimate objective, the employer, and this can only happen if there’s more dialogue between colleges, universities and employers in general. Boston has found that the best way to encourage this is by an increased interaction and placement of students into internships and workplace opportunities as part of their course or degree requirements,” says Rabson. Universities, colleges and even secondary schools should also make more effort to bring the employer to the student and to speak about the real world of work. Speaking about the technical aspects of a particular job is one thing; we also need an un-

derstanding if the day-to-day reality of what the work will entail. Graduates also need to be properly matched to businesses in ways that focus on business needs. Taking more care in the placement of learners into the correct career, and then the placement of graduates into internships or work-experience opportunities, whether at corporate, government or SME level, will see a huge improvement in the success of workplace skills development. Boston City Campus & Business College, for example, has for years now directly taken on this challenge faced by students. “Yes, getting the necessary qualification is important, but acquiring hands-on experience and skills to help further one’s business knowledge and one’s understanding of workplace culture is as important. That’s why Boston has recruitment office with a full-time manager. Through this office, students get the opportunity to interview for positions and apply, and often secure an internship or employment. Whilst internships can lead to permanent employment, the overall experience gives learners the chance to spruce up their CV’s and build experience in a real-world working environment,” says Rabson. Ultimately, the role of higher education cannot be treated in isolation and tertiary institutions should make it their mission to work with industry and business to provide supportive and responsive structures that will help produce well-rounded individuals who are adaptive to new demands and challenges both domestically and globally. Call Boston on 011 551 2000 or email info@boston.co.za. Follow us on Facebook for continued education updates.

Eskom CEO Phakamani Hadebe

Johannesburg - Power utility Eskom has announced that it has appointed Bheki Nxumalo as its new group executive to be taking charge of generation. Nxumalo, whose tenure will start on July 1, takes over from Andrew Etzinger who has been acting in the role for the past nine months. In a statement Eskom CEO Phakamani Hadebe pointed out that the

‘We welcome that he brings extensive experience, relevant qualifications in power generation and has a good track record in his previous roles at Eskom’ new appointment strengthens the power utility’s executive structure. “Generation is a critical portfolio within Eskom and we are happy that the successful candidate is from within Eskom’s ranks. We welcome the fact that he brings extensive experience, relevant qualifications in the power generation industry and has a good track record in his previous roles at Eskom,” Hadebe said. Hadebe announced in late May this year that he would be resigning from Eskom at the end of July due to “unimaginable demands” impacting his health. According to Eskom, Nxumalo holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration and is a registered engineer. He joined Eskom in 1996 as a senior technician. He has previously worked as production manager and maintenance manager at Lethabo and Hendrina power stations, as power station manager at Grootvlei and Matimba power stations, and as project manager at Kusile power station. He was most recently the acting CEO of Eskom Rotek Industries which, according to its website, provides construction, maintenance and transportation services in support of Eskom operations.

20 - 27 June 2019

FNB clients have to ‘pay back the money’ Own Correspondent On Tuesday some FNB customers found themselves hundreds and in some cases thousands of rands richer after incorrect balances were reflected on their accounts. The bank’s transactional banking spokesperson Daniel Kaan says this was as a result of delayed debit card transactions of the customers concerned. “The matter has since been resolved, but some customers are refusing to cooperate.” Customers who received money this way have been unjustifiably enriched, says senior banking lawyer at Werksmans Attorneys, Danny Andropolous. “Once the mistake has been found and it is made clear that it was a mistake, the bank has a course of action under the law of unjustified enrichment. They would have no legal basis to keep the money and would be under legal obligation to repay the money once they have been notified of the error,” he says. This rule also applies to those who notified the bank of its error and were given an all clear by mistake. Andropolous says customers can attempt to defend against FNB’s claim, but they depend on the specific facts of each case. In 2004 the Supreme Court of Appeal ruled that money mistakenly paid into an account can be recovered with interest and legal costs.

Inner-city Gazette

Debt write-off for qualifying residents Johannesburg - Residents struggling to pay for municipal services have been given a lifeline that could see half or more of their debts written off. Finance MMC Funzela Ngobeni said: “Tough economic times call for an innovative approach to mounting municipal debt. The idea is to ensure that defaulting ratepayers are brought back into good standing on their municipal accounts.” He added that the broad concept of the programme hinges on an application process that will allow for

Jeppestown - Police recently arrested two men for alleged rape of two female taxi passengers. Jeppe police spokesperson Captain Richard Munyayi said the women were on their way from Benrose to the Joburg CBD. “A woman in her 30s had boarded a taxi travelling to the Joburg CBD. In the taxi there were five men and

strained household owners to apply for municipal debt rehabilitation. “Qualifying customers will receive immediate relief through a 50 percent debt write-off. If the customer complies with all the requirements of the programme‚ which include keeping their current accounts up to date and allowing for regular inspection of metered services‚ then the remaining outstanding debt will be written off over a three-year period,” Ngobeni said. He explained that the criteria to qualify for the programme will be; a write-off is only applicable to

residential account holders; the account holder’s account balance is in arrears for more than 90 days as at June 30 2019; the combined gross income from all activities of the account holder and spouse must be between R4 750 and R22 000 per month; and the market value of the property and all properties owned by the applicant must not exceed R600 000. MMC Ngobeni added that the City of Johannesburg will embark on educational roadshows in August this year; and that the application process for the write-offs is scheduled

Women raped in a taxi one woman inside. The taxi driver, instead of driving to Joburg, he drove in the direction of the George Goch men’s hostel, and stopped at an open space near the intersection of Vickers and Main Reef roads. Two of the five men exited the taxi and three remained.” Munyayi said after that the 30-yearold woman was allegedly raped by

one man, while the other two allegedly raped the other female commuter. “The women were given R24 after they were raped, and were dropped off under a bridge at an unknown location. They came to the police station to open a case and police immediately went out to look for the taxi, a white Toyota Quantum. Officers were able to trace it to

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Finance MMC Funzela Ngobeni

the Faraday taxi rank, after which the driver of the taxi took officers to a room at the hostel, where one suspect was arrested. A second suspect was later arrested at the Sandton taxi rank. One suspect is still on the run. We are appealing to anyone who might have information to contact Jeppe SAPS on 011 624 6021 or 10111,” said Munyayi.

Inner-city Gazette

News

20 - 27 June 2019

Motlanthe urges youths to engage technology A panel of experts advised young people who are still in university to acquire work experience while they are still at school. They said school holidays and weekends can be used to get any work experience, which will increase the chances of getting employed straight after tertiary education.

Ex-president Kgalema Motlanthe addresses the youths at during the expo.

Nasrec - Addressing a youth expo at Nasrec on Monday, former president Kgalema Motlanthe urged youths to study digital technology and entertainment, as they are the key generators of business and employment. Motlanthe said those with digital technology skills would have an added advantage in the highly competitive job market under the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He said the Fourth Industrial Revolu-

tion would not take away jobs, but rather create new ones in other sectors. “Innovative technology will ensure high production in short time. Having innovative technology such as robotics means the country can produce more food quickly. As the industry becomes more streamlined, people have more free time and the entertainment industry will grow, becoming one of the biggest employers,” he said.

Motlanthe’s foundation, in partnership with the Gauteng government, launched the AI in Africa programme aimed at providing young people with technological skills. During a panel discussion at the youth expo some youths told Motlanthe that they are worried about simply joining other young graduates who are unemployed. They said they are excited about the AI in Africa Programme, which seeks

to provide digital technology skills for them; but they are still not sure how that skill will assist them in getting jobs. A panel of experts advised young people who are still in university to acquire work experience while they are still at school. They said school holidays and weekends can be used to get any work experience, which will increase the chances of getting employed straight after tertiary education.

Woman burns hubby’s bakkie at police station ‘While the man was still detailing how his wife has been abusing him, the woman walked out of the police station’

The man’s bakkie burns to ashes outside the police station.

Boksburg - On Sunday morning a woman was arrested on a charge of malicious damage to property after she allegedly set her former husband’s motor vehicle on fire and

destroyed it at the Boksburg North police station. Police spokesperson Constable Justice Ramaube said the couple apparently had an argument at home before the husband decided that they both go to the police station to seek help. “The man reported that the woman had been assaulting him at his house and he decided to go to the police station for help. The man came to the police station after failing to resolve their matter. He said she failed to understand that the man did not want to take her back after a year of break-up. While the man was still detailing how his wife has been abusing him, the woman walked out of the police station. All of a sudden the vehicle was on fire, and our members managed to extinguish the flames and prevent it from spreading to the nearby vehicles. Unfortunately it was a bit late as the complainant’s vehicle had already been completely damaged by the fire,” Ramaube said. Ramaube added that an eyewitness told the police that a woman was spotted doing something to the vehicle just moments before it exploded into flames. “Officers searched and found her a few metres away from the scene. She was arrested and charged with setting the vehicle alight,” he said. The fire spread and damaged two other cars which were parked next to the man’s bakkie.

20 - 27 June 2019

Inner-city Gazette

Cops to be assigned to schools

City warns of water shutdown Johannesburg Water appeals to all residents of the city of Joburg to use water sparingly during the shutdown in order to avoid a complete no-water situation, and reminds all that Level 1 water restrictions are still in place. Johanneburg - On Tuesday main bulk water supplier Joburg Water announced that Rand Water is planning a major shutdown that would affect all its reservoirs and towers in terms of water supply for 54 hours from next Monday, June 24. Joburg Environment and Infrastructure Services MMC Nico de Jager said the shutdown would be on the B11 pipeline, to install a 2 500mm Butterfly valve from Lethabo to Vereeniging pumping station. “This would result in limited water supply to all Rand Water customers. Please note that this

MMC Nico de Jager

does not necessarily mean that there will be no water during the 54 hours shutdown period. However, due to the extremely long hours, some of the areas may experience a shortage of water or low pressure,” de Jager said. Johannesburg Water appeals to all residents of the City of Johannesburg to use water sparingly during the shutdown in order to avoid a complete no-water situation, and reminds all that the Level 1 water restrictions are still in place. The water shutdown will also affect a number of municipalities across the Gauteng Province.

‘These are not random acts of violence, the origins of the problems are out there in the streets of society’ Johannesburg - Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi has announced that each school will be assigned a police officer the school can call whenever it is necessary. He said the allocated police officer will assist accordingly, in the event a school needs police. “We are also working with mobile companies so that when one presses number nine on their cellphone and holds it for more than 30 seconds it will ring at the nearest police station, alerting the police identified to work with that particular problem,” Lesufi said. This was in apparent response to a surge of violence in public schools in the past few weeks. Police spokesperson Captain Lun-

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Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi

gelo Dlamini however said police cannot act as security guards. Lesufi explained that the officers would be on standby at their stations, but Dlamini said: “Police can’t be assigned to stay at schools; the department must post security guards.” A few weeks ago a Grade 10 pupil, Daniel Bakwela was stabbed and killed outside Forest high school in Turffontein, allegedly by a schoolmate. The accused Mohamed Mwela was released on R5 000 bail. In another recent incident, a Grade 10 pupil at Oosrand school in Boksburg missed his mid-year examinations when he was attacked by four pupils who accused him of being a cheeseboy; in which the 17-year-old boy lost a tooth.

Education spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said most of the violence happens outside the schools: “These are not random acts of violence, the origins of the problems are out there in the streets of society. The solutions are not with the department, but with the people themselves, the police, the justice system and all other stakeholders. The streets around the schools are battlegrounds,” Mhlanga said. Psychologist Anele Siswana said the concept of broken families is one of the potentials that often contribute to problematic behaviour. “Learners that come from broken families where there is lack of discipline may display different kinds of problems,” Siswana said.

Inner-city Gazette

20 - 27 June 2019

Inner-city Gazette

The Arts

Iconic musical returns to the Mandela Stage Told through story, song and dance, this musical deals with the radicalisation of a young schoolgirl, Sarafina, who becomes embroiled in the riots and is tortured by the South African police Ntombi Mashaba

oburg Theatre, in partnership with Keeloz Global Entertainment will restage one of South Africa’s most iconic symbols of the struggle for social and political freedom and justice, Sarafina! Directed by Nhlanhla Ngema and starring Noxolo Dlamini as Sarafina, this internationally acclaimed Broadway hit musical will run from 19 July to 11 August at the Joburg Theatre’s Mandela Stage. Sarafina! was originally conceived by Dr Mbongeni Ngema who wrote

and arranged most of the music and lyrics, with additional songs by Hugh Masekela. As part of the succession plan, Dr Ngema has awarded the rights to produce Sarafina! to his younger brother, Nhlanhla Ngema. “I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to direct this internationally acclaimed Broadway hit musical. I am grateful to my brother, Mbongeni Ngema, for grooming me to realise my potential and giving me this opportunity,” said Nhlanhla Ngema. Set against the backdrop of the

A scene in the Sarafina! production

1976 student revolts against Afrikaans as a medium of instruction, Sarafina! follows the activities of a fictional class at Morris Isaacson high school. Told through story, song and dance, this proudly South African musical deals with the radicalisation of a young schoolgirl, Sarafina, who becomes embroiled in the riots and is tortured by the South African police. She inspires

her classmates with her commitment to the struggle against the apartheid government. In the musical’s explosive finale the students present a class play about the symbolic Day of Liberation they all dream of; when their hero, Nelson Mandela is released after decades in prison. Joburg City Theatres artistic director Makhaola Ndebele said it is

befitting that South Africa’s most successful theatrical export return to the Mandela Stage for a second season at Joburg Theatre. “As we have witnessed with past generations, this world class South African production is capable of re-igniting the belief within young people to overcome whatever challenges their generation has to contend with,” Ndebele added.

Fans prepare for CBL derby The CBL Cup returns with its Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium on July 27 Sports Reporter

aizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will clash again in the pre-season Carling Black Label Cup next month, and new rules have been introduced, in which fans contribute by voting. The fans have heeded the call to shape the game through technology ahead of the July 27 derby. The organisers said supporters can pick from a selection of seven ‘game-changers’; choosing the captain, being able to substitute a goalkeeper, rolling substitutes, Twitter picking the Man of the Match, having the referee wear a microphone, a yellow card timeout and a Twitter substitution. The latest updates show that the selection of the captain is currently the most popular of the ‘game-

Carling Black Label derby organisers with Chiefs and Pirates officials and team captains.

changers’ that were introduced at the launch in May this year, with over 71 000 votes. The CBL Cup makes a return this year with its supporters-orientated Soweto Derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium on July 27. Carling Black Label brand director Grant Pereira said the 2019 Game Changers give the Champion Fan an opportunity to voice their opinion, and be involved in

shaping the future of football. “We are fortunate enough to have an amazing partnership with the two Soweto giants, who both have such a rich history of football, and who also share our ambition in empowering the voice of the fan,” Pereira said. He added that they could not ignore the growing influence of technology on the game, which is realized in the form of technology such as VAR and goal-line tech-

nology, and also in the form of social media where a large amount of football discussions take place. “We will open up channels of communication for the fans to voice their opinions on what changes they hope to see at future Carling Black Label Cup games,” he said. Tickets for the Carling Black Label Cup game are available at Computicket as well as Shoprite/ Checkers stores countrywide.