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.
