Youth brigades to curb Covid-19 spread

Johannesburg – During a recent briefing by the Provincial Command Council, which is steering Gauteng’s Covid-19 response, Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi announced that the department has received about 120 000 applications for its Covid-19 youth brigades programme.

  In the programme unemployed youths will be assigned to assist the department to curb the spread of Covid-19 at schools and government offices. They will be deployed at schools and government buildings across the province to assist with screenings, data capturing and monitoring compliance, the department said.

  The programme seeks an intake of 7 000 people, who will be placed at schools, based on distance and proximity.

  The department’s spokesperson Steve Mabona said those with Grade 12, diploma and degree qualifications would be considered to undertake different responsibilities.

  “The plan is to get them to start on 1 June when schools reopen, in the programme that is expected to run for three months. It is important to note that this is not employment,” he said.

  At the briefing Lesufi said if it became necessary the programme would be extended beyond the initial three months.

  Those chosen would be trained by officials from the departments of education and health.

  The candidates would be vetted to ensure they did not pose danger to children; and those with criminal records would not be considered.