Smile FM has partnered with the city of Cape Town to create 10,000 jobs, spreading hope this Christmas!
South Africa (18 September 2023) – In the heart of Cape Town, where the bustling city meets the picturesque coastline, a powerful force for good is at work. Smile FM, a beloved Capetonian radio station, has set forth on a remarkable journey that promises to bring joy to thousands of families this Christmas season.
Their mission? To help 10,000 unemployed Capetonians secure meaningful employment before the 25th of December.
It’s no secret that South Africa faces a daunting unemployment crisis. Official statistics suggest an unemployment rate of 32.9%, but experts argue that these numbers barely scratch the surface of the issue. When those who have given up on the job hunt and fallen off the grid are taken into account, the true unemployment rate may soar as high as 42%. Sadly, this unenviable statistic ranks South Africa as the country with the highest unemployment rate globally, surpassing even Gaza and the West Bank, Djibouti, and Kosovo, according to the World Bank.
However, in the face of this adversity, one Capetonian radio station is determined to rewrite the narrative.
True to its name, the radio station is devoted to putting smiles on the faces of the community it serves. At the forefront of this noble effort is Ryan O’Connor, the charismatic host of The Ryan O’Connor Breakfast Show, who has taken up the mantle of finding jobs for the jobless.
“We are calling on companies to let us know when they have jobs available, and we will connect them with job seekers in their area who have the required skills,” says O’Connor.
His passion and dedication to this cause are palpable, as he recognises the transformative power of employment.
Having a job isn’t merely about income; it’s about providing families with the means to put food on their tables and roofs over their heads. It empowers children to attend school, receive a quality education, and rebuild their self-esteem and dignity—things that many of us often take for granted. Employment, as O’Connor aptly puts it, is the most potent weapon in the battle against poverty.
Over the next 12 weeks, the radio station will shine a spotlight on the companies participating in this life-changing campaign. They will also share heartwarming stories of newly employed listeners who will receive their first paycheck in ages. These stories of triumph over adversity are sure to inspire countless others to embark on their own journeys towards employment. But Smile FM’s commitment doesn’t stop there. They’ve found strong allies in the City of Cape Town.
Geordin Hill-Lewis, the Mayor of Cape Town, voiced his support, saying, “The City is pleased to partner with Smile FM to facilitate thousands more employment opportunities for Capetonians using our Jobs Connect platform.”
This partnership aims to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers, offering crucial assistance in CV formulation.
Alderman James Vos, another staunch supporter, highlights the city’s multifaceted approach to tackling unemployment.
“The City is working on multiple fronts to create an environment that gives businesses the space to grow while creating employment opportunities for Capetonians,” he states. The Jobs Connect workforce development programme has already made a significant impact, offering training and work opportunities to thousands of Capetonians.
Smile FM’s Managing Director, Lois O’Brien, aptly captures the spirit of the initiative. She says, “Cape Town is gearing up for what promises to be a busy and exciting holiday season, which brings thousands of employment opportunities—specifically within the tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors.”
As the trusted voice of Cape Town, Smile FM is leveraging its vast network and audience to connect deserving job seekers with employers, thereby improving the lives of families across the Cape Town metropole.
This heartwarming mission exemplifies the power of community, compassion, and collective action in the face of adversity. By working together, they are not only creating jobs but also nurturing hope, dignity, and smiles during a season that is meant to be filled with joy and goodwill.
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