A new long-term partnership between the Western Cape Government and the Interactive Science Foundation is being positioned as a step towards tackling youth unemployment, while strengthening support systems for vulnerable communities across the province.
The agreement, signed on Tuesday, 14 April, brings together the Western Cape Department of Social Development and the Interactive Science Foundation, which operates the Cape Town Science Centre, in a collaboration aimed at creating structured pathways into employment for young people.
At the centre of the initiative is a commitment to provide internship opportunities for beneficiaries of the provincial social development system, many of whom have had limited access to formal employment or skills development programmes.
Officials say the programme is designed not only to provide work experience, but also to improve long-term employability by equipping participants with practical skills in a structured environment.
The initiative will be run from a facility in Observatory, made available by the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure. Provincial authorities have emphasised that access to suitable infrastructure plays a key role in enabling programmes of this scale, particularly those focused on education and skills development.
Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt said partnerships remain central to the province’s approach to social upliftment. “By bringing together government, the private sector, and non-profit organisations, we are creating opportunities that are sustainable and focused on long-term outcomes,” he said.
The partnership also incorporates the Cape Care Fund, an initiative that connects donors with vetted social projects aimed at delivering measurable impact in communities across the Western Cape.
Stakeholders involved in the project say the inclusion of multiple partners reflects a growing recognition that addressing youth unemployment requires coordinated efforts across sectors, rather than isolated interventions.
Tertuis Simmers, the Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, highlighted the role of government assets in supporting development initiatives. He said the provision of space for the programme demonstrates how public infrastructure can be used as a tool for empowerment, particularly in supporting education and community-based initiatives.
From the private sector perspective, the Cape Town Science Centre has framed the agreement as a significant milestone. Managing Director Steven Sack described the collaboration as a “watershed moment,” noting that the alignment between government departments and community-focused initiatives would strengthen the impact of programmes already in place.
Beyond job creation, the initiative is also expected to contribute to broader community development by supporting organisations working at grassroots level, particularly through the Cape Care Fund.
As the programme begins to roll out, attention will turn to how effectively it can bridge the gap between training and employment, a challenge that continues to affect many young people across the province.
Western Cape Government – Department of Social Development
