Unions welcome plan for 1 million interns

THE Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) is satisfied with developments flowing from the Presidential CEOs Initiative.

President Jacob Zuma has announced that 1 million young people are to be placed in paid internships in the private sector over the next three years.

Government, business and labour representatives met yesterday to discuss progress made by the initiative, which aims to build confidence in the economy and reignite economic growth.

“We are encouraged by the work done,” said Zuma.

Fedusa’s general secretary, Dennis George, said the initiative would provide hope and opportunity for many “unschooled” youngsters.

“We want to give 300 000 unskilled non-matriculants opportunities and pay those people R3 000 because it will help to lift people out of poverty.

“We are looking at implementing this proposal in 2017.” The youth unemployment rate is 37.7 percent. “We are very happy (the private sector) has committed from its side (and is) considering looking at creating internships for a million young people over three years.”

Zuma also announced that a small and medium enterprises fund had been established.

The private sector had contributed almost R1.5 billion.