Article by Lungile Mseleku and Images by Ntokozo Biyela

The Department of Human Settlements together with the Department of Public Works hosted a successful Information sharing session and Career Expo with the grade 12 learners from Dundee Secondary, Thalana and Thandeni High Schools at Sibongile Township, Section 20 Ward in Dundee under Endumeni Local Municipality on 24 June 2022.

Ms Luyanda Kafile from the Department of Human Settlements enlightened the audience that the purpose of the session is to share the useful and relevant information that is going to assist the youth into choosing the right career paths. “It has been brought to our attention as the departments that scarcely any of the young people particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds are not aware of which career paths to follow when they reach tertiary level.” She also added that the aim is to expose the careers that are available within at the departments. She further explained that the purpose is also to reach the youth that has interest in the business world but has no clue where to start or has no opportunity to information.

MEC Jomo Sibiya

In his key note address, the MEC of Human Settlements and Public Works Mr Ntuthuko Mbongiseni ‘Jomo’ Sibiya expressed his commitment in changing young peoples’ people’s lives for the better. “We are the departments who are very determined to see the young people prosper and bringing positive change into their lives.” He said. Mr Sibiya encouraged the youth to show dedication to their studies. “Study to excel and as a young person you must always avail yourself to opportunities that have been placed for the betterment of your future, be the generation that says we are here to bring change, be the generation that is obsessed with change, bring in new ideas.”

MEC also mentioned that as the government they are obsessed with the prosperity of young people. “Every year the government allocates 4, 9 billion towards the education of the young people, do not disappoint us.”

He further encouraged the youth to explore careers that will develop the country. “Be in a strategic career, refrain from choosing just any career as we are counting on you to bring in new ideas, we are tired of importing professionals from other countries for certain projects in our country.”

During the information sharing session, Human Settlements and Public Works bursary beneficiaries shared their testimonies to motivate the youth that there is always assistance available no matter the background.

Ms Thembeka Gcumisa from Swayimani in Pietermaritzburg, the bursary beneficiary from Department of Public Works bursary also emphasised the importance of being always available as a young person to great opportunities. “I got the bursary because I availed myself, do not just exist - show dedication and commitment.” Ms Gcumisa also mentioned that she never let her background and circumstances hinder her from going after her dreams and aspirations.

Mr Musa Hadebe from Msinga Top (Gxobanyawo) who is now a Civil Engineer at the Department of Public Works Head Office obtained his BSc in Civil Engineering at Howard college (UKZN) with the assistance of Public Works bursary and also gained his experience (Internship Programme) in the department. He said, “Choose scare skills since we are a developing country competing with developed countries, along the journey you will encounter failure but how you bounce back is very important.” Mr Hadebe continued to say, “Know where you want to go as the direction is very important, know your goals, know which steps to follow into achieving those goals and always choose the direction that is in alignment with your dreams and aspirations.

Mr Sandile Zuma, the Department of Human Settlements bursary beneficiary from Eshowe, studied for his Civil Engineering qualification at the Mangosuthu University of Technology. He is now working as Civil Engineer at the Department of Human Settlements. In his speech, he said, “Attitude and discipline will take you very far, even where you do not think you qualify, as there are people who were A students in school but never got anywhere as they lacked discipline.” He extended his gratitude to the department for this life changing opportunity. “We need more of these Career Expos as there are young people who have no clue which route to take.” Said Mr Zuma.

From left: Ms Thembeka Gcumisa, Musa Hadebe and Sandile Zuma - Bursary beneficiaries.

The management from both departments in conjunction with various stakeholders such as South African Revenue Services, Department of Employment and Labour, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Amajuba TVET College and National Youth Development Agency delivered enlightening presentations with the aim of assisting young people to choose strategic and relevant skills for their future.

The departments in partnership with the stakeholders will continue to host these sessions and Career Expos to uplift young people and assist them into choosing the right career paths for their future.

Article by Ntokozo Biyela

Images by Nelisiwe Mkhize

The Public Works Portfolio committee visited Siphumelele Primary School located in Inanda, Ezimangweni, ward 107 within the eThekwini Metro municipality on Tuesday, 21 June 2022. The purpose of the visit was to brief the Department of Public Works Portfolio Committee on the status of construction of Siphumelele Primary School and to corroborate the fulfilment of the proposed mandate in line with the department precepts.

The days double session agenda was directed by Honorable Mbali Frazer. The first session of the program saw the committee meeting ahead of the second session which had the departmental briefing, discussion and site viewing.

The Regional Director Mr. Gabriel Blose, who presented the briefing breakdown gave clarity on where the project stands as it only has a few more months remaining to the agreed-upon contractual agreements to completion. The projects’ goal is to provide a “modern school” for learners living within Inanda township, but the goal goes beyond the school being upgraded as the department continues to be the agent of choice. Public Works is continuously working hard to provide trusted infrastructure development and in addition makes it a point to create more work opportunities for the community.

The progress on site for this R28 790 753.00 project stands at 87% complete and had an original completion date of 7 July 2022 which has been revised to 13 September 2022. With three months left on the project the department has an expenditure of R26 298 511,73. The project scope consists of the construction of 21 new classrooms, for Grade R classes, one computer room, one media centre with a smart board, one science laboratory, an administration block with seven offices, seven storerooms, a kitchen, ablution facilities with 34 seats, a guard house, fence, repairs and renovations to the existing buildings.

During the discussion, the panel stressed on the importance of fulfilling community benefits of the project and the subcontracting opportunities as the numbers for the overall targets for the project stand at 90 and the EPWP employed 53 to date which converts to 59%. Woman employment had a target of 30 and has 12 to date whereas youth employment to target was proposed at 40 and has 19 youth employed to date, people with disabilities were targeted at two for the project and has zero to date. The subcontracting opportunities per target group which were woman subcontractors is at 5%, youth subcontractors at 5%, and military veterans is at 10%. The subcontracting achieved to date stands at 20%.

The project implementation challenges were noted with the first one being working while teaching and learning is in progress. This came as a high concern to the committee and was commended greatly as they are complying with the safety and security measures and there are contingency plans in place for incidents that could be detrimental to the lives of the very young scholars. With COVID-19 restrictions, the site operates on a 60% workforce which contributed to the project’s delays.

Although the targeted numbers for employment and progress were lower than expected, they are happy with the schools Governing Body as it is female-headed and set precedent to how the workplace roles should be played. This was especially highlighted by the committee who wishes to see more of women in the work forces and women getting the same work opportunities as men.

The continuation of the said Public Works motto “Building communities through construction and growing Kwa-Zulu Natal together” stays being practiced through these empowering projects that seek to leave a better social environment.

Article by Nelisiwe Mkhize

Images by Sibongile Dlangalala

Keeping the theme of youthfulness in the month of June, on the 24th of June 2022 the Department of Public Works (EThekwini Region) participated in a fun sports day held at their offices in Mayville.

Mr Gabriel Blose who is the Regional Director of EThekwini Region opened the day with a very inspiring massage directed to staff, “In commemoration of Youth Month we must honour those who fought for our freedom and were the torch bearers, the onus is on us to continue carrying that torch by striving for the best in our work and ensuring that we put our department at the highest level.” Mr Blose urged the staff to enjoy the day as they celebrate the youth of 1976. He also mentioned that the sports day encourages a good relationship amongst employees from different sections within the department as it brings togetherness.

This active event consisted of a number of different fun games such as: tug of war, egg and spoon marathon, relay, sack jumping and many more exciting games.

Team building activities like these are important in the workplace as they foster a productive work culture by creating a harmony between team members and promoting tolerance and embracing each other’s strengths and weaknesses. A happy workforce results in a productive workforce. The day concluded with so much jubilation as the participants were receiving prizes as rewards for their participation and winning the games.

Article by Lungile Mseleku and Images by Sibongile Dlangalala

In an attempt to lower youth unemployment levels and developing relevant skills that will sustain the young people’s future, the MEC of Human Settlements and Public Works Mr Jomo Sibiya launched the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Skills Programme to the youth of Nqutu in ward 2 and ward 3. The launch of this programme was held on June 17 2022, at Imbokodo Ebomvu Sportsground. Amongst the community leaders that attended the launch was Mr Thusini, Councillor of ward 2 and 3, Mrs Ngcobo, Councillor of ward 10 and Councillor, Mr Buthelezi-Councillor of ward 14 and Councillor Miss Ngubane.

In her welcoming speech, Ms Khuli Sithole - The Director of Priority Programmes for Emergency Housing and EPWP mentioned that the purpose of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Skills Programme is to empower the youth and provide multi- skilled practitioners within the construction industry and to be self-reliant individuals for their livelihoods.

She further explained that this programme consists of 40 learners. Twenty learners come from KwaHlazakazi skills Development (Ward2) and the other 20 come from Silutshane Skills Development (Ward 3) which forms a total of 40 learners. Ms Sithole outlined that the majority of this targeted group are females, the group consist of 30 females and 10 males. “We really encourage the involvement of women in the construction industry”- she said.

This group of young people will be trained for the duration of six months under an accredited training service provider under the National Certificate of Community House Building. The training programme has 13 modules which include bricklaying, painting, plastering and painting. As most of the individuals undergoing the training come from impoverished backgrounds food will be provided at the training. There is an allocated stipend amount of R2400 for them.

MEC Sibiya spoke on the importance of prioritising the future and betterment of the young people’s future. “The young people of today should have a better future than those who came before them, because a nation that does not take care of its youth it is equivalent to a nation that does not exist”, MEC said. He prompted the learners who have joined this training to give it their all. “I urge you all to show dedication and commitment on this programme as the beginning of change, is the beginning of moving forward”.

MEC Sibiya mentioned that the total amount of R1, 4 million was spent on this Skills Training Programme. He also mentioned that after the completion of this training, building community housing projects within the area of Nquthu will prioritise these particular learners as contractors. “After the completion of this programme we will no longer hire outsiders as contractors but instead priority will be given to these learners as they will be then multi-skilled practitioners”. He also pleaded with the youth to please commit themselves on completing this training as he would like to see all of them graduate after six months.

The beneficiaries of the programme are highly grateful for the opportunity given to them by the Department as it would bring positive change in their lives and the community at large.