DJ and entrepreneur Ashley Raphala, also known as Shimza, has thrown his support behind the country’s efforts to combat the high unemployment rate.
He recently launched an internship program through his foundation, the Shimuzic Foundation.
Collaboration
Shimza has teamed up with the Hollywood Foundation to establish THE HUB, which is an initiative that will have a level three SETA accreditation.
This initiative was launched at his food and drinks establishment, the Hang Awt, in Thembisa last Friday.
The aim of the internship is to help break the poverty cycle by providing practical, real-world experience that can lead to better job prospects.
15 youth chosen
A total of fifteen young individuals from Thembisa in the fields of event management, design, and entrepreneurship will receive upskilling through a four-month internship.
Shimza, who is from Thembisa, has begun hosting KUNYE, an event that is globally recognized for the rich South African musical heritage.
This project focuses on the development of talented African producers.
He expressed that this is an era where events have become an integral part of the social, corporate, and cultural landscape. As a result, the demand for skilled event managers is steadily rising.
“I understand that knowledge that is not shared is knowledge wasted,” he said. “THE HUB exists because I want learners to equip themselves with skills that they can use to make a living.”
Key skills
The initiative aims to empower and equip aspiring event professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the dynamic world of event planning and execution.
“We understand that this is a continuous journey, and we are fortunate to have Hollywood Foundation as our partner every step of the way,” he added.
Babongile Mkhize, Hollywood Foundation’s Group Transformation Manager, stated that the internship program covers all aspects of event management, including event planning, budgeting, marketing, logistics, and execution, and provides a monthly stipend.
“The Hollywood Foundation is intentional about upskilling the youth in South Africa,” Mkhize said.
Socioeconomic impact
“The partnership with the Shimuzic Foundation confirms our strong commitment to creating a positive social and economic impact, particularly in the context of combating youth unemployment,” she continued.
“The success of this program will serve as a model for similar initiatives in other regions and industries.
“The Hollywood Foundation will also be monitoring top achievers during the course and potentially absorbing them into the business or affiliated sectors,” Mkhize concluded.
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