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The City Press today, 06 September 2020, carried an article titled ‘Zuma punted for Jozi youth post’ in which it made various allegations regarding the proposed Youth Directorate of the City of Johannesburg.
The Government of Local Unity in the City has identified Youth Development as a strategic priority in responding to the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality within the City.
Currently, youth unemployment in our country is at a record high of 59% in the first quarter of 2020. This has been exacerbated by the growing devastation brought about by COVID-19 to the economy.
The youth directorate and policy currently being considered by the City of Johannesburg is a direct attempt to ensure we create opportunities for youth within the city, utilizing the variety of resources allocated to various mandates within the City.
Previously the Youth Directorate has been located within the City’s Social Development department and through a rational assessment, it is accepted that youth development is not a social development matter. It cuts across all mandates including economic and skills development, innovation, health and social development.
Once finalized, a recruitment process to fill vacancies within the directorate will be undertaken and open to all qualifying persons to apply. There is no ‘Youth League Directorate’ in the City of Johannesburg as alleged in the City Press article nor is there any other recruitment process other than that contained in the recruitment policies of the City.
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For Media Enquiries
Mlimandlela Ndamase
Director: Mayoral Communications
MlimandlelaN@joburg.org.za
083 480 0014
