Events and Exhibitions
Some of the dignitaries and guests that attended the event .
to the South African statistics , translating the numbers of youth unemployment – they reveal the figure to be 4.8 million individuals that are unemployed . It is then important that we also highlight that in our country the youth are faced with other challenges , being competition for resources and limited opportunities that in turn translate into conflicts . Initiatives of this nature are therefore welcome . It is important that we further reflect on the unemployment statistics on the continent that indicate that nearly 13 % of the African youth were unemployed in 2022 , and a further notable point being that Africa has the youngest population in the world . The persistent and structural nature of youth unemployment means that this issue can no longer be addressed through isolated initiatives .
The situation requires an extensive , coordinated and sustained effort to respond to both the changing needs of the economy in South Africa and Africa at large . These efforts must be mobilised and cut across sectors to include a wide range of stakeholders and decision makers – from government , the private sector , academia , development partners and civil society . It is for this reason that one cannot ignore the great initiative that Grant and his team , as well as the colleagues from the AU and Germany have put together . This initiative has a great potential to change the current situation . It recognises the great potential of South Africa ' s young people and working towards a society where every individual has a path to progress . We are looking forward to the skilled technicians and the artisans that will be produced through this programme while its objectives dovetail very well with the objectives of the President and Minister . The outcome set for the country is one where we want to have a skilled workforce for inclusive economic growth . We cannot express our gratitude enough for this initiative and to the employer body represented here . The contribution and willingness of the industry to support initiatives like this goes a very long way in sustaining the economic development of this nation . We further express our support to say that in the academy construction coming into fruition and operation , we pledged to protect it from any harm .”
In closing off the formalities of the event , Laidlaw offered heartfelt thanks to everybody who attended as well as the speakers and invited everyone to the next big step – being the ground-breaking and ribbon cutting ceremonies at the new site . Guests then enjoyed a lunch and refreshments as well as a great networking opportunity with colleagues . RACA
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RACA Journal I January 2023 www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za