Over a quarter of South Africans do not have work or an income

Unemployment continues to keep so many South Africans firmly entrenched in the poverty trap. Without a job, all other social interventions are worthless.

Jobstart is an accredited Skills Training Centre targeting unemployed people between the ages of 18-45, from poor marginalised and disadvantaged communities. Here, they receive training that will equip them to become kitchen assistants, caterers, cleaners, room attendants, table attendants and laundry staff for the hundreds of hotels and guest houses in the area.

During the past financial year, 156 Jobstart graduates were placed in formal employment.

Worklink
Following on from Jobstart, Worklink is another programme aimed at promoting economic growth, by acting as a catalyst to encourage people with skills and initiative to start up their own micro businesses.

A two-week, highly intensive course under the auspices of the University of Cape Town's Graduate School of Business, Worklink equips entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge to develop business plans, apply for finance, understand marketing concepts and manage profits and loss.

Holomisa's story
Holomisa was born and grew up in a rural area in the Eastern Cape. When he was in Grade 9, his father passed away and his whole life changed.

Without a breadwinner in the family, Holomisa was forced to travel north to work in the mines. He still attended night school after his shift and successfully passed Grade 10. Then he came to Cape Town to follow his dream of working in the hospitality industry. His girlfriend suggested he contact Jobstart and he completed the Food Preparation course in 2002.

Not only was he trained in the necessary kitchen skills, he also learned the importance of professionalism, attitude, work ethic and commitment - all vital elements in the hospitality industry.

Thanks to Jobstart, Holomiso is now employed as a Guest Attendant at the 4 star Villa-Via Hotel in Gordon's Bay. He also serves on the Tourism Advising Committee and the Western Cape Tourism Development Partnership.

For more information on Jobstart, visit www.jobstart.org.za.