Johannesburg, 27 May 2014
The Department of Higher Education and Training is responsible for post-school education and training in South Africa, with oversight of, among others, the universities and universities of technology, as well as technical and vocational education and training for FET colleges. Created in 2009 after the election of President Jacob Zuma, the DHET is the outcome of the creation of two distinct government departments responsible for delivering on the human development needs of the country as these relate to education, training and skills development.
The mission of the DHET is to develop capable and skilled citizens that are able to participate and compete in a sustainable, diversified and inclusive economy, which meets the developmental goals of our country. It is in light of this important mission, particularly the placement of young South Africans into work-integrated and workplace-based learning opportunities, that the DHET has endorsed the EOH Youth Job Creation Initiative.
"The partnership between the Department of Higher Education and Training and the EOH Youth Job Creation Initiative provides an exciting opportunity for both government and the private sector to smooth young people's transition from education and training into the labour market. This partnership not only recognises but is in fact a demonstration that public-private initiatives aimed at enhanced graduate employability are critical for job-rich economic growth, and as the department, we are proud to be associated with this important initiative," says Lebogang Mokwena from the Department of Higher Education and Training.
EOH launched a Youth Job Creation Initiative two years ago aimed at stimulating youth job creation by interacting with its customers, business partners and government.
The initiative aims to:
* Promote internship and training programmes for the youth;
* Repatriate jobs offshored to other countries and the creation of jobs by offshoring services to other countries;
* Work with government to mobilise business to take advantage of government incentive schemes for job creation; and
* Encourage business to invest more in South Africa, which will result in job creation.
In 2013 alone, EOH created over 1 500 job opportunities for the youth. Working together with its customers, business partners, and government, EOH has set itself a target to create 28 000 jobs by 2016. The company believes it has to date created over 10 000 job opportunities through idea sharing with its partners.
If every business in South Africa was to do the same, it would mean the employment of hundreds of thousands of young South Africans. The benefits are immense - for the youth, for society, and ultimately, for the very businesses that invested time and effort in passing on the skills. "After all, it is easier to run a business in a successful society," concludes EOH CEO Asher Bohbot.
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