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Empowering Gauteng Youth: Turning Wheels for Hope and Employment
In a significant development for job creation in Gauteng, the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED), under the leadership of MEC Tasneem Motara, has successfully established a groundbreaking partnership. This collaboration with Uber Eats South Africa is poised to unlock many opportunities, particularly for the youth, while fostering direct employment prospects within township communities through roles like fleet managers and direct youth employment as reported by IOL.
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The partnership’s financial implications are notable, as Uber Eats is set to make a substantial investment exceeding R200 million in conjunction with GDED. The initiative entails Uber Eats contributing over 10,000 scooters, with the department facilitating driver testing and licensing for the 10,000 unemployed youths.
The surge in popularity of food e-hailing services, a trend that gained momentum during the Covid-19 pandemic due to reduced in-person shopping, adds a contextual backdrop to this partnership.
Dr Anton Roets, an environmentalist affiliated with the University of Pretoria, asserts that this endeavour could very well be a pioneering step on the African continent. Dr Roets describes the program as revolutionary and comprehensively analyses its potential impact on multiple fronts.
Dr Roets draws attention to the pressing issues of climate change and sustainable transportation, pointing out that South Africa’s current trajectory does not align with the 2030 climate change resolution targets. He underscores the need for more efficient and environmentally friendly travel practices, emphasising that the excessive use of individual cars contradicts global trends in more developed countries where public transport systems and door-to-door deliveries flourish. He underscores the importance of reducing travel time, fuel consumption, and emissions. Dr Roets hails the initiative led by MEC Motara as not only revolutionary but also as a critical avenue for providing employment opportunities for disenfranchised youths. He suggests that this program could serve as a model to be replicated across the country.
The article further explores the global landscape of e-hailing and e-shopping systems, noting that while South Africa may be lagging, other regions, such as the northern part of Africa and the Arab belt, are making significant strides in creating virtual malls that reduce traditional store-front expenses.
The practicality of the initiative is underscored by Motara, who highlights the importance of scooters as essential tools for this business model. She clarifies that entrepreneurs can either purchase or rent scooters on a full-service basis, offering a flexible approach that ensures functional scooters are readily accessible and well-maintained.
In essence, this partnership marks a pivotal step towards economic empowerment, sustainable transportation, and innovative approaches to employment generation. It showcases the government’s commitment to addressing youth unemployment through strategic collaborations while aligning with broader global trends in advancing the digital economy. Combining expert insight, statistical data, and real-world relevance strengthens the article’s comprehensive and informative style.
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Photo: Facebook / @Tasneem Motara
