The Office of the Executive Mayor has partnered with Afri Guard for a security guard training programme for people who are 35 years and older, a group often referred to as the “forgotten generation”.

This initiative stems from the promise that the Executive Mayor, Alderman Peter Teixeira made in his manifesto speech in 2021 and is in line with the Mayoral Undertaking of Creating Opportunities for All.

Alderman Teixeira committed to empowering the forgotten generation as they are often excluded from government interventions, scholarships and internships.

The Executive Mayor made the following remarks from his 2021 speech: “I call them the “Forgotten Generation. This is a group of men and women who are between the ages of 35 -45, who can still be economically active yet, do not have the education, skills or employment opportunities that the youth for instance is now exposed to. Do not get me wrong. Youth are also impacted by the inequality of our times. However, the ‘forgotten generation’ also happens to be parents to future generations. They have immense familial pressure and yet have been excluded from government interventions, scholarships and internships. Today, I wish to recognise and assure them that I see them, I hear them and that they too will be empowered through this administration.”

While we acknowledge the impact of inequality and limited opportunities on the youth, many existing upliftment and empowerment programmes are often geared towards them.

This security guard training programme is one of several efforts aimed specifically at addressing the unique needs of those who fall outside traditional youth development initiatives.

Unemployment is a huge challenge in South Africa; however, we also understand that the challenge is not only the lack of jobs but also the gap between the skills people have and the skills employers need.

Through this initiative, we are not only addressing the issue of unemployment but also equipping the Forgotten Generation with relevant skills to thrive in today’s economy.

ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE MAYOR

For media enquiries, please contact:

Yours in Service Excellence, Ald. Peter Teixeira#PeoplesMayor

For media enquiries, please contact:

Idah Satikhe Senior Media Officer: Office of the Executive MayorMokgadiS@midvaal.gov.za 010 494 3112

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