The Ehlanzeni District Municipality (EDM) and the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) recently joined forces to combat youth unemployment and poverty through skills development training. According to the EDM’s municipal manager, Dr Nontobeko Mahlalela, the municipality is pleased to announce a transformative partnership with LGSETA aimed at tackling the critical issues of youth unemployment and poverty within the Ehlanzeni region.
The joint initiative seeks to empower and equip young individuals residing in the four local municipalities under the Ehlanzeni District Municipality (Mbombela, Thaba Chweu, Nkomazi and Bushbuckridge) with essential skills through comprehensive training programmes.
“The pressing matter of youth unemployment and poverty demands collaborative efforts. The EDM and LGSETA are dedicated to making a significant impact in the lives of the young citizens. The project will provide training for 1 050 participants comprising 900 unemployed youth and 150 employed youth through the Expanded Public Works Programme. Over two months, we will conduct training at various centres strategically distributed across the district, ensuring accessibility for all eligible participants,” Mahlalela said.
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These centres have been strategically selected to ensure accessibility for participants from all corners of the district.
The skills development training will take place at the following centres within the respective local municipalities: In Mbombela: EDM – Disaster and Mataffin Training Centre. In Thaba-Chweu: Sabie and the Moramela Training Centre. In Nkomazi: Low’s Creek, Mjejane, Mbuzini and the NKLM training centres. In Bushbuckridge: Oakley Group 1, Oakley Group 2 and the Leroro training centres.
Mahlalela said, “One of the most crucial aspects of this initiative is its inclusive approach, which ensures that both unemployed and employed youth are allowed to upskill and improve their employability. The training will be provided by experienced instructors and professionals, and participants will receive nationally recognised certificates upon successful completion, all at no cost to them.”
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She said the municipality recognises that sustainable development hinges on empowering the youth with the necessary tools to thrive in the workforce.
“By collaborating with LGSETA, the municipality takes another crucial step towards realising this goal and fostering a brighter future for the young generation. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to them for their valuable support and commitment to making this partnership a reality. Together, we will create an environment where our youth can flourish, unlocking the immense potential that lies within them.”
