Employment centre boost for youth of Parkside

THERE is a glimmer of hope for the youth of Parkside following the launch of a new initiative last week.

The South African National Zakah Fund (Sanzaf) and community radio station IFM launched the Employment and Empowerment Centre aimed at enhancing employment prospects for the youth in the area.

One of the 30 bursary holders from Sanzaf, 18-year-old Yaseen Davids, who is studying at PE College, Iqhayiya campus, described his elation at the opening of the centre.

“Sanzaf goes above and beyond for us students and the community.

This new centre is a beacon of hope for unemployed people,” Davids said.

Davids drew an image of helplessness without Sanzaf and the community radio station in the area, saying many had no knowledge of the opportunities around them.

Speaking at the launch, Sanzaf chairman Abdoelaziez Madat said a lack of resources was one of the youth’s greatest challenges.

“The resource centre is to ensure that those who are unemployed, matriculants and community members who are not able to access resources are given access free of charge.

“These resources include internet access, relationships with other service providers, CV workshops, career expos and entrepreneurial training opportunities.”

The Hope Factory, Khanyisela College and Leap Entrepreneurial Development are just some of the service providers that have agreed to assist the centre in this new venture.

“We are not competing with one another as these stakeholders, but we want to work together for the young people who have nothing,” Madatt said.

The centre will officially open early next month and will provide all services for free.