ETHEKWINI Municipality’s Governance and Human Resources Committee, has submitted a recommendation to Exco for the construction of an eThekwini Municipal Academy which will focus on promoting learning and development. Head of the Academy, Dr Mpilo Ngubane said plans for the construction of the higher learning institution were in the making. he said the establishment of the Academy followed a decision taken by council for an institution focused on promoting learning and development.
“A high-level feasibility study has been completed with technical feasibility 80 per cent complete. Also 60 per cent of external and 80 per cent of internal stakeholders have been consulted. Once the public participation process has been done the construction of the building will start in 2019 and is expected to be complete in 2021,” he said.
Ngubane said two proposed sites in Umbilo and Cato Manor have been identified for the development of the Academy and once construction had been completed, advertisement would be placed calling for applicants to study at the academy.
Ngubane said accreditation for the institution had been received last year and it was the intention to have an integrated approach in developing communities and human capital through the Academy.
This would be done through local and international partnerships that have been created which include partnerships with organisations, private companies and institutions of higher learning.
Chairperson of the Governance and Human Resources Committee, Councillor Barbara Fortein said they were excited about the Academy and believed it would empower the youth and the community at large. She encouraged youth to make use of opportunities available through the Academy.
“People with disabilities and the youth must work closely with councillors so that they are exposed to the many offerings of the Academy,” she said.
