Now there’s HELP for ex-prisoners to find work in South Africa

In a bid for ex-prisoners to find work in South Africa, the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) is joining hands with the Department of Correctional Services (DCS). Here’s how they’re working together to provide improved employability for ex-offenders, parolees and probationers.

According to Africa News, joblessness for convicts sits between 80% to 90%, with little chance of improved opportunities. Furthermore, our interest in this topic was sparked when we were contacted by a reader through The South African WhatsApp line. Responding to a story on Basic Income Grants, this reader shared with us the struggle for ex-prisoners to find work in South Africa. We were prompted to do some research on the topic and find the following opportunities for previous offenders …

EX-OFFENDERS TO FIND WORK IN SOUTH AFRICA

Through the DEL’s Public Employment Services, ex-prisoners and parolees can access the following:

• You can register as a work-seeker on an electronic job-matching database with the DEL’s Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA). Click HERE to register. The department says being registered on ESSA as a work-seeker gives you the best chance of being matched with new job opportunities.
• You can access employment counselling sessions. These include where to go and what to do with the skills you had before or obtained in a correctional facility. Plus, there are lessons on how to look for a job, develop your CV and prepare for a job interview.

DEALING WITH DISCRIMINATION

• The DEL offers work ethics sessions, to show you the ‘proper way’ of what is expected of you in a work situation. This includes skills on how to deal with discrimination during the re-integration process.
• Another great way for ex-offenders to find work in South Africa is establishing a small business or co-operative. There are courses on this, too.
• Finally, the DEL Public Employment Services can help with referrals to other organisations that specialise in ex-prisoners to find work in South Africa. One such entity is NICRO.
• So, if you are an ex-offender, parolee or on probation, and need help to find work in South Africa, register with Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) HERE. And contact NICRO (above) for additional support. Because it’s never too late for a second chance …

NEXT READ: UPDATED info: May 2024 SASSA Older Persons grants

What do you think of the plight of ex-prisoners to find work in South Africa? Are you an ex-offender trying to make ends meet? If so, be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.

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