The industry hardest hit by job losses was manufacturing, with 105 000 people becoming unemployed in that sector in the second quarter. (Gallo)
"The 300 graduates …[will be] placed within various departments for experiential learning in areas of tourism, engineering, information and communication technology, design, food and beverages, amongst others," Mokonyane said in a statement on Sunday.
She said the unemployed graduates, who hold further education and training qualifications, would be placed during this financial year.
In the last financial year, 7 986 internships and learnerships were provided by the provincial government, she said.
"Youth unemployment, if not addressed with a sense of urgency, could have a negative impact on the economy, more especially in the Gauteng province as it is the economic hub of South Africa."
The premier also asked other employers to expand the number of interns and graduates taken on by their organisations. – Sapa