On Friday, 25 July 2025, Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Ms. Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala, officially handed over acceptance letters to young people from Elukwatini and surrounding areas as part of the Labour Activation Programme (LAP) rollout in Mpumalanga. This follows the programme's initial launch in March 2025, where 15 beneficiaries partnered with the Department to facilitate training, upskilling, and job placement initiatives across the province.

These programmes are set to commence on 1 August 2025 within the Gert Sibande District Municipality. Through collaboration with four employment creation partners, the programme will provide skills development, leadership training, and technical education to 330 young participants.

“Youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing challenges facing our nation and demands urgent, coordinated action. The high rate of youth unemployment poses a significant threat to South Africa's social and economic stability. This is why the Government of National Unity has identified Inclusive Economic Growth and Job Creation as its top priority," said Deputy Minister Nemadzinga-Tshabalala.

Addressing the recipients, the Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of commitment and completion of the programme to ensure successful placement in various workplaces. “Youth unemployment in this province is alarmingly high, exceeding 60%, while Mpumalanga's expanded unemployment rate now stands at over 43%. These figures are not just statistics; they are a call to action. Our youth, women, and persons with disabilities deserve better opportunities," she added.

In addition to the LAP rollout, the Deputy Minister led the #YAZINI outreach campaign alongside other government departments. This initiative brought a full suite of government services to the Elukwatini community, aiming to address unemployment by connecting the community with employment and skills development opportunities. The Department's Public Employment Services (PES) team was also present to assist job seekers in registering on the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) database for potential job or training placements.

Deputy Minister Nemadzinga-Tshabalala was joined by senior departmental leadership, including Deputy Director-General Sam Mrotoba, Acting UIF Commissioner Adv. Lucky Mkhonto, and Chief Director of Provincial Operations in Mpumalanga, Rev. Mandla Sibanyoni. The Executive Mayor of Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality, Councillor Mbuso Magubane, also expressed his appreciation for the Department's efforts in empowering the local youth.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Teboho Thejane

Departmental Spokesperson

082 697 0694/ teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za

-ENDS-

Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour

​ 

​​