“Job creation a hoax or a promise?”

catoon: Mzansi memes

Accra Maweya          ntlhari.accra@gmail.com                      @ntlhari_accra

The issue of unemployment is not something new in South Africa, it has been a major challenge that government has been fighting to reduce for many years. In the past our fathers would have to leave their homes to Gauteng all in search for a better source of income to provide for their families at home. Back then employment wasn’t determined by your level of education but by the skills life has forced you to learn like hard labour.

South African president by SA people news

Since 1994 we have been raised to believe that education holds the key to success. In order to get a good job one needs to have gone to school or some form of qualification but the number of unemployed college and university graduates is hard to comprehend.

On the 19^th of February 2018, the newly elected president of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa gave his speech at the state of the nation address. He states that young people are already forming a greater proportion of the labour force on the infrastructure projects and are the primary beneficiaries of programmes such as the installation of solar water heaters and the war on leaks.

He said the government will be working in partnership with business, organised labour and community representatives to creating opportunities for young people to be exposed to the world of work through internships, apprenticeships, mentorship and entrepreneurship to draw young people in far greater numbers into productive economic activity through programmes such as the Employment Tax Incentive.

photo: SA people news

In March the government will launch the” Youth Employment Service initiative which will place unemployed youth in paid internships in companies across the economy. The government aims to create a million such internships in the next three years.

The news of a more sustainable plan to create jobs for the youth and other empowerment programs aimed at the youth were received positively by majority of the youth in South Africa. People expressed their joy all over social media from the time Cyril Ramaphosa won the ANC presidency elections in December last year to when the former South African president Jacob Zuma announced his resignation on valentines day.

Oratile mhlongo says “he thinks Cyril Ramaphosa will bring change to the economy, he will be able to create and govern better because he is already a good business man.”

Although the news brought joy to some, there are still a few people who are not anti- Cyril but they simply don’t think much will change about government.

“Many presidents have been preaching of job creation yet there are still not enough jobs in South Africa but we hope for the best” says kagiso Mashilo.

photo: SA people news

ART IN SOUTH AFRICA’S YOUTH

By Accra Maweya        ntlhari.accra@Gmail.com   

Art is the expression or application of creative skill and imagination in a visual form such as paintings, music, drawings, sculptures and etc. since the past decades we have been surrounded by art even when we are not aware of it. You don’t have to have had a good education or money to be an artist because it all starts with your ability to be creative. Examples of artists in South Africa are Jane Alexander, Walter Battiss, Marlene Dumas and the list goes on.

Art may not be seen as important as it is in South African townships like in other countries because we have never realized the benefits or the importance of art. Art is very important because it relieves stress, it boosts our confidence, helps to express ourselves and our emotions, gives us the ability to show our talent and most importantly it makes people happy.

Art is not only for fun or to enhance creativity but we can also benefit from art even financially if we want to sell it to the public. It improves academic performance, builds confidence, motor skills, visual learning and decision making.

Art has changed society in many ways for more than hundreds of years.according to 
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130410082154.htm 
Art influences society by changing opinions, instilling values and translating experiences across space and time. Research has shown art affects the fundamental sense of self. Art in this sense is communication, it allows people from different cultures and different times to communicate with each other via images, sounds and stories. Art is often a promoter of social change and It can give voice to the politically or socially disadvantaged. A song, film or novel can rouse emotions in those who encounter it, inspiring them to rally for change. 

Every person is born with the ability to be creative so regardless of age you can still enhance your creativity by going to schools that offer art courses that are not only affordable but also good. Schools like the national school of arts in Braamfontein Johannesburg, ProArte Alphen park situated in Pretoria east close to menlyn shopping and Tshwane University of Technology are well known for offering a variety of classes and courses that are good at naturing your God given talent.

You may be a high school student or even have passed matric and want to further your studies by study something to do with arts but not know what steps to take to make your dreams come true but t all starts with Google, just search and surely something helpful will pop up. Even if you are already a university student it can never be too late to learn, just register for online short courses or simply visit an art studio regularly on your spare time.

related to art:

                   https://www.nytimes.com/section/arts

                   https://news.artnet.com

                   https://news.artnet.com/art-world

  Fact Box: Photo Credits; Walter Moropa