While growing the economy and jobs is one of the main aims of the Western Cape Government it is similarly important that we create an able and skilled workforce. . Developing the youth is therefore critical to the success of the province and the reason why R9.4billion (17.2% of the Western cape Provincial Budget0 will be spent on youth development in the Western Cape during the 2016/17 budget year In response to the critical skills shortage in the accounting and financial fields. Provincial Treasury has in partnership with the Department of Education and Nedbank, runs an Essay writing bursary competition to encourage Grade 11 students to pursue a career in the financial field. This year alone, R2, 264 million is budgeted for this project. Any Western Cape Grade 11 learner who plans to pursue a career in maths, economics and accounting may enter this competition. Besides cash prizes, the top 15 students each receives a bursary to pursue a three year degree/diploma in the fields of economics, finance, mathematics, accountancy and/or commerce, at one of the Universities in the Western Cape. Once the students have completed their studies, they are employed by Treasury and placed at departments to gain valuable work experience.
Treasury will also spends R375 000 on interns who are given the opportunity to gain valuable work experience while receiving training during their twelve month internship.
In 2016, Provincial Treasury also launched its own Chartered Accountants Academy (CAA), to ensure that a much needed talent pool is created. The CAA offers graduates the opportunity to become chartered accountants who have an in depth understanding of public sector financial systems and processes. The aim is to attract and retain the best finance and accounting professionals within the Western Cape Government.
Minister Meyer said that youth development was key to meeting the critical skills shortage and growing the economy. “The best gift we can give to the youth is the opportunity to reach their full potential. Through our youth development programmes we are not only developing a future skilled workforce, but also creating an enabling and supportive environment for our youth to advance. ”
On 16 June, we celebrate the lives of the many courageous young people who died during the Soweto Youth Uprising and in the subsequent protests that took place across our country, but more importantly we commemorate their sacrifices by ensuring that we create opportunities that provide our youth with freedoms that they can use.
Daniel Johnson
Media Liaison Officer/Spokesperson to Dr Ivan Meyer Minister of Finance
Cell: 079 990 4231
E-mail: daniel.johnson@westerncape.gov.za