Article by Sibongile Dlangalala, images by Hlengiwe Dlamini
ETHEKWINI REGION: The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works in partnership with the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure have yet again demonstrated a wherewithal to create employment opportunities through the Forestry Training Programme.
This is part of a departmental drive to tackle issues of poverty, unemployment and inequality targeting the youth, women and people with disabilities. This further extends to promotion of labour intensive methods for manual clearance of vacant provincial land under the custody of the KZN provincial government.
On Friday, 24 March 2023 at least 20 beneficiaries under the aforesaid programme formed part of this crucial government intervention. A throng of direct beneficiaries demonstrated their different levels of competency when removing invasive alien species, leaving a huge portion of demarcated government land free of debris and other threats to nature conservation.
Beneficiaries have gained sound knowledge in the respective field which includes work etiquette, teamwork, the importance of wearing personal protective clothing and invasive alien species. The programme boasts orientation in the classroom and performance of practical work on site as fundamental pillars of this particular initiative.
Empola Ward 5 resident, and a direct beneficiary under the Forestry Programme, Zanele Shange says the programme has helped her immensely. She was quoted as saying, “I have gained some independence of being able to take care of myself and afford bare necessities from the stipend we receive.”
Sifiso Mngoma from Marianhill Ward 15 who is also a beneficiary said he has gained wealth of knowledge through the programme, “I am now able to differentiate between alien invasive plants and how they negatively impact indigenous plants as they compete for water and habitat. I have also learned the importance of Personal Protective Equipment which serves as protection against hazardous conditions,” he concluded.
