ETHEKWINI REGION: On Tuesday, 25 July 2023, the MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works, Mr Sipho ‘KK’ Nkosi played host to a strategic session with recruits who are part of a Furniture Manufacturing Learnership Programme (FMLP).
The aforesaid programme is aimed at creating a conducive environment for the youth to acquire advanced furniture production skills. This is a direct government intervention designed to address unemployment related challenges facing the youth and a number of historically disadvantaged individuals in KwaZulu-Natal.
While the programme dubbed, the MEC's Interaction with the Furniture Manufacturing Learners was in progress at the Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Archie Gumede Conference Centre in Mayville, the MEC created a platform for seamless interaction with learners who are part of the provincial FMLP which resides with the Department.
The participants recruited are anticipated to use their newly acquired skills to enter the furniture manufacturing industry with specialization in furniture making. Currently over 20 learners are being trained and equipped with practical woodwork skills on how to manufacture furniture, develop innovative designs by using various types of wood and related accessories.
The department has forged partnership with the KZN Department of Education (DOE) in an endeavour to fast-track refurbishment of old and broken school furniture like desks and shelving cabinets.
In an effort to establish and maintain good working relations, MEC Nkosi presided over a face-to-face engagement with a further 100 recipients including representatives from the DOE as a progressive stakeholder on board.
A myriad of exit strategies presented during the day’s session were accompanied by detailed testimonials made by some learners who are part of the programme. This attests to the fact that, such an initiative will yield positive end-results which will ultimately benefit the youth from all corners of the province.
YOUNG FURNITURE GURU URGES GOVERNMENT TO SUPPORT LOCAL FURNITURE MANUFACTURERS
Invited Guest Speaker, Ms Mandisa Mwandla who is the Director of a Mandeni-Isithebe based furniture manufacturing entity, HAVE A SEAT Stylish Furniture Manufacturers delivered a motivational presentation with an intention to encourage maximum youth participation in the furniture making discipline.
As a female youth entrepreneur, she is a living testimony that, the furniture manufacturing industry is away-to-go for aspiring young individuals who intend to tap into this particular type of business. Ms Mwandla says, one of the significant bottlenecks which hinder growth in this industry is access to market and a hard-hitting blow suffered by local furniture manufacturers as a result of furniture imports.
As an essential sector of the country’s economy, she called on government to protect the industry by providing necessary support through implementation of policies which promote local production and pronounce restrictions on imports. She also applauded the DPW for hosting such a programme and further made a plea with government to consider procurement of office and school furniture from the youth-owned enterprises.
EThekwini Municipality’s Deputy Mayor: Cllr Zandile Myeni pledged the municipality’s support towards the programme as she encouraged learners to visit relevant municipal offices for easy access to various programmes designed to offer assistance to the youth.
MEC’S KEYNOTE ADDRESS TOUCHES ON THE TENETS OF THE FREEDOM CHARTER
In his keynote address, MEC Nkosi congratulated all learners and urged them to stay focused in order for their enterprise to thrive. “We are handing over the future of our country to you and we are confident that you will contribute positively towards the economic growth of South Africa.” He also advised the Departmental senior managers to forge partnership with institutions of higher learning like the Coastal College and other credible TVET colleges which serve as a fountain of knowledge and practical skills transfer.
The MEC further emphasised on skills development and the importance of distribution of economy in line with Clause 3 of the Freedom Charter. In conclusion, the MEC directed relevant government officials to ensure a speedy formalization of partnership with the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) in order for the emerging youth entrepreneurs to gain access to government funding.
INFORMATIVE PRESENTATIONS ADD SOME LUSTRE ON THE DAY’S PROGRAMME
A plethora of presentations followed by lengthy discussions enhanced the aforementioned programme.
The first presentation on Furniture Manufacturing Learnership Programme was made by the Director: Youth, Women, People with Disabilities and Military Veterans, Ms Delisile Mncube who served as a team leader during planning meetings held prior to the actual programme.
Other presentations for the day included EPWP Exit Strategies - Formation, Registration of Cooperatives (Co-Ops) and Small, Medium Micro Enterprises (SMME) Support by EDTEA representative Ms W Nyembe.
The Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) was represented by Ms S Sabela who was also offered a slot for presentation followed by Mr P Pillay who on behalf of the Department of Higher Education made a presentation on Building Environment Opportunities at TVET Colleges in KwaZulu Natal. Towards the very end of the programme, attendees received the last presentation from Mr T. Mkhwanazi, a representative of the Small Entrerprise Finance Agency (SEFA).
Article and Images by Sibongile Dlangalala