Using cricket to bowl out youth unemployment

Lonwabo Marele|Published 5 months ago

Gugulethu Cricket Hubs’ prospect Olwethu Mathabeni, 17, was one of the rising stars in last season’s WPCA First Division A one-day campaign for Gugulethu’s senior men’s team, contributing both as a batsman and wicketkeeper. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

Cricket South Africa (CSA) in partnership with the National Treasury, Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) have launched a new programme that aims to use cricket as a platform to tackle youth unemployment.

The National Youth Service Programme (NYSP) is part of a broader effort to engage young people in community service, nation-building and skills development.

It will see job opportunities made available including posts per hub for administrators or tutors, groundsmen, and marketing positions.

Registration for the programme will take place on Wednesday September 18 and Thursday September 19, from 9am to 4pm, at the following clubs: Helderberg, Gugulethu, Khayelitsha, Langa, Mitchell's Plain, Ottoman, St Augustine, Tygerberg and Victoria.

Successful candidates will be placed in hubs across the province and receive a stipend for 16 hours of work per week.

Western Province Cricket services manager Clinton Du Preez said this is the third intake of the initiative. They are looking at short-listing opportunities for beneficiaries to spend six months at the WPCA head office.

“There might be additional ones, pending on other hubs not filling their quota. I would like to encourage members within our cricket ecosystem and communities to grow within our beautiful game. We are grateful for CSA and the National Treasury for their continued commitment towards employable opportunities and potential upskilling,” said Du Preez.

Applicants are required to take a certified copy of their ID and a bank confirmation letter.

Excited to facilitate the registration at the Gugulethu Cricket Hub, at the NY49 sports complex, coach Nicholas Mpulu said it's a great opportunity for unemployed youth, clubs and national administration will benefit from the initiative.

“We are trying to spread the word about cricket, not only in Gugulethu but in all surrounding areas. It’s a beautiful initiative. This is also great for our local clubs, communities and national team's success,” said Mpulu.

For more information, contact WPCA’s Clinton Du Preez at 083 587 5469.

Cricket South Africa, in collaboration with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), WPCA, and National Treasury, are introducing the third instalment of the National Youth Service Programme (NYSP).