The Department of Employment and Labour has officially launched its 'Taking Services Closer to the People’ campaign this week, focusing on the communities in the Bushbuckridge areas of Casteel, Shatale, and Hluvukani.
The campaign, according to the department, seeks to shorten the travel by community members from remote locations to departmental offices to access the services the department provides.
The campaign is held year-round in all provinces to ensure accessibility.
Employment and Labour Minister, Thulas Nxesi, who led the drive on Wednesday, said scores of people needed the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), Compensation Fund and Public Employment Services (PES) services.
“Therefore, it is imperative that we leave our offices and take all our services closer to communities in the country.”
Nxesi also expressed his admiration for the career counsellors who were offering guidance and advice to the numerous youngsters who were in attendance.
“This week, we introduced fully integrated services. Our inspectors conducted inspections in the Hazyview and Whiteriver areas.
“Meanwhile, UIF and Compensation Fund received inquiries and processed claims in Bushbuckridge. Lastly, our public employment services were provided,” said the Minister.
The drive in Bushbuckridge precedes the Mpumalanga Jobs Fair, which is an event where job seekers can interact with potential employers and learn about available job opportunities.
Chief Director of Provincial Operations in Mpumalanga, Mandla Sibanyoni, explained that the purpose of the jobs fair is to assist job seekers in locating employment opportunities and assist employers in finding qualified candidates for their job openings.
“All of these channels will be available through the Public Employment Services branch of the Department of Employment and Labour,” Sibanyoni explained.
The jobs fair takes place on Thursday, 11 January 2024 at the Thulamahashe Stadium in Bushbuckridge. – SAnews.gov.za
