Just over a year ago, the City launched its new flagship workforce development programme, Jobs Connect

It came as the full socio-economic effects of the pandemic began to weigh on communities beyond the virus.

'Jobs Connect was launched after I tasked the Workforce Development Unit within the Enterprise and Investment Department to come up with a system that was easy to use and that reduced the cost barriers associated with finding employment.

'The platform, which is facilitated by Leelyn Management, has two overarching goals: to provide knowledge, training and employment opportunities to job seekers across the City, particularly those who do not have the means to access such opportunities; and to link small businesses and corporates to the appropriate talent.

'In the past 15 months since the launch of Jobs Connect, there have been 13 activations in communities across Cape Town. Thousands of Capetonians have stood in queues to sign up on the platform. They are not the faces of unemployment – they are a picture of hope,' said Alderman James Vos, the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth.

Ntsoaki Nibe, a Bothasig resident, said the initiative, which filters work opportunities by area and industry, helped her to find work that is conveniently located. 'Jobs Connect has helped a lot by getting me a job that's close to my home, where I walk to work and that has made me a better worker because I'm always on time. I don't even mind working late or overtime because I don't stress about transport.'

Noluvuyo Mdingi from Khayelitsha said: 'I studied Business Management at False Bay College. I heard about Jobs Connect and I applied on the platform looking for an internship. The process went swiftly - I was called for an interview and now I am doing my internship. It is such a great opportunity that is allowing me to learn and explore the real-life experience of my field and the corporate world, and most exciting is the fact that I will obtain my diploma.'

How does it work?

• Job-seekers need to register their details online at http://jobsconnect.leelyn.co.za and complete a literacy and numeracy assessment. The results of the assessment will be added to a digital CV. The entire process is paperless but people can print out their CVs and assessment results. The website is also zero-rated for MTN and Vodacom users.

• Business owners in need of staff can easily register as an employer by contacting info@leelyn.co.za

Thus far, 60 000 people have been registered and assessed on Jobs Connect, which also helps work-seekers access education and training to enhance their employability.

'The fact that Cape Town has long been and remains the metro with the lowest unemployment rate is proof that initiatives such as these are working. But 30% unemployment is still far too high,' said Alderman Vos.

'With the R713 million Economic Growth budget that has been approved by Council, my team and I will be able to expand on the success of these kinds of programmes. The budget plots a roadmap for bolstering Cape Town's small businesses and industries and increasing Capetonians' access to opportunities.

'Make no mistake that we are working relentlessly to create an inclusive economy of hope and confidence,' said Alderman Vos.

Source: City Of Cape Town