- President Cyril Ramaphosa has requested that businesses remove the work experience requirement for people seeking employment in entry-level jobs.
- This request was made during the State of the Nation Address (SONA).
The State of the Nation Address (SONA) took place on 9 February 2023 at the Cape Town City Hall. During the SONA, President Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated the government’s request to State Owned Entities (SOEs), companies and departments to remove the work experience requirement for young people seeking entry-level positions.
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In 2022, the government committed to placing more than 10 000 TVET College graduates in employment. According to President Ramaphosa, they surpassed that figure and plan to place 20 000 TVET College graduates in employment in 2023.
The government is also determined to encourage more students to enter into artisan training at TVET Colleges. “The number of students entering artisan training in TVET colleges will be increased from 17 000 to 30 000 in the 2023 academic year,” said President Ramaphosa.
In 2023, the National Skills Fund (NSF) will provide R800 million to develop skills in the digital and technology sector. NSF plans to do so through an innovative model that links payment for training to employment outcomes.
President Ramaphosa believes that the ability to attract skills that the economy needs will increase the economic growth and competitiveness of the country. The government has completed a comprehensive review of the work visa system and hopes to implement the recommendations put forward.
The recommendations include:
- Establishing a more flexible points-based system to attract skilled immigrants,
- Implementing a trusted employer scheme to make the visa process easier for large investors, and
- Streamlining application requirements.
President Ramaphosa also added that the government will be implementing a remote worker visa and a special dispensation for high-growth start-ups. He stated that while the reform programme is in the process of being implemented, the government will continue to support public and social employment to provide work to those who need it.
Around 140 000 small-scale farmers have received input vouchers to buy equipment, seeds, and fertiliser. Through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the government was able to provide a boost for food security and agricultural reform.
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“This initiative has led to the cultivation of some 640 000 hectares of land [and] an impressive 68% of these farmers are women. This year, we aim to provide 250 000 more vouchers to small-scale farmers,” said President Ramaphosa.
