Helping Hands' web portal helps Afrikaans-speaking job seekers

Since the launch of Werknet.co.za in May, more than 3000 job seekers have registered their CVs and the number is growing by almost 150 CVs a week. In response to the need for employers to post job ads in Afrikaans as well, Werknet.co.za was developed further to cater for employers.

Expatriates wishing to return

"Werknet.co.za will make it easier for employers who are looking to employ Afrikaner people, to find qualified or competent Afrikaner candidates for positions," said Marietjie Smit, head of WerkNet. "Employers have access to CVs from a wide range of Afrikaans-speaking job seekers - from school leavers to expatriates wishing to return to South Africa and people who have lost their jobs as a result of affirmative action."

Although the service is available to job seekers for free, there is a cost attached to posting job ads. Half of the cost is donated to Helping Hands to support the expansion of this service for job seekers.

Integrate Afrikaans-speakers into the labour market

WerkNet, a service of Solidarity Helping Hands, aims actively to integrate Afrikaans-speakers into the labour market. "A considerable dent can be made to unemployment among Afrikaners simply by bringing job seekers into contact with opportunities, which is precisely what werknet.co.za does," said Smit.

Employers who want to post job ads can go to www.werknet.co.za and follow the links for employers. Job seekers can register their CVs at www.werknet.co.za for free.