MEC launches independent living programme

The Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mbali Hlophe, recently launched the Masihambisane Independent Living Programme at Mary Moodley Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) in Benoni.

The programme seeks to empower youth aged between 18 and 21 in CYCCs across the province with skills and job readiness programmes to help them survive after leaving its care facilities.

The department will work with the Inqaba Yokulinda NPO to enable hundreds of young people to participate in economic opportunities such as information and communication technology (ICT), Cisco training, farming, agro-processing, hair and beauty therapy and many more.

According to the spokesperson for the MEC, Nkosana Mtolo, care facilities in Gauteng have already implemented the independent living programme. However, the approved Masihambisane Independent Living Programme would enhance current efforts through interventions that would be add-ons to the concept.

This programme will broaden partnerships to ensure youth leaving CYCCs do not feel alone on their journey to independence.

Speaking at Mary Moodley CYCC recently, Hlophe said she was happy to close Youth Month by launching a cutting-edge programme.

“Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi always talks about how we must protect young people, who are the future of this nation. So, our CYCCs are extremely important. They provide safe spaces for young people who find themselves in environments that are not conducive.

“We need to instil and allow them to break off the shackles of the past. As the Department of Social Development, we don’t want our children to feel secondary neglect when they turn 18, but we must help them get on their feet,” said Hlophe.

The department, through its Sustainable Livelihoods Directorate, is committed to fighting poverty and delivering various services through programmes to the identified beneficiaries in partnership with NPOs.

One such beneficiary who went through the independent living programme is August Khumalo, a former resident at Mary Moodley Child and Youth Care Centre.

The 27-year-old from Daveyton is now a proud founder of God’s Grace Foundation, which helps children to identify and nurture their talents.

“I arrived at Mary Moodley CYCC as a young boy, and they gave me the love I had never experienced. They gave me proper education until I passed my matric in 2015,” added Khumalo.

In his time at the centre, he was honoured with The President’s Award for his competent horse riding, martial arts, rowing, and poetry.

The award is bestowed to South Africans aged between 14 and 24 to enable them to become responsible and active citizens.

Also Read: Fire leaves Mary Moodley Memorial Clinic Structure undamaged

Also Read: Digital hearing aid for Mary Moodley