City of Johannesburg’s community development programme beneficiaries complete training
After months of hard work, the practical agricultural training for the programme aimed at agricultural knowledge for participants, has concluded.
Practical agricultural training was recently completed by beneficiaries of a community development programme.
A statement issued by the City of Johannesburg read that the programme was implemented earlier this year, in partnership with Golden Lanes and Isiqalo Opportunity Centre. The focus of the programme was on ‘agricultural plant production and new venture creation’. The programme consisted of a short skills course aimed at providing participants with the necessary ‘knowledge and tools to create thriving agricultural ventures’.
The statement continued, “After months of dedication and hard work, the beneficiaries of the programme completed their practical agricultural training. Their commitment extended beyond acquiring new skills. In a remarkable achievement, 103 out of 113 programme graduates were certified as competent by the Services Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) and Agri SETA during a graduation ceremony at the Roodepoort Civic Centre this week.”
The statement noted the impact of the project was more than just acquiring skills, it was rather aimed at economic growth in Region C. Further Golden Lanes in partnership with the City of Johannesburg’s Economic and Social Development Departments secured six agricultural sites in the Roodepoort area. Beneficiaries of the programme could continue their journey by planting vegetables, not only for consumption but also for ‘sustainable livelihoods’.
“This step will pave the way for formalised co-operatives, fostering economic growth within the community, and cultivating co-operative ventures that would endure beyond the initial training. The main objective of the city is to create an enabling environment for businesses to strive.”
Simphiwe Malimela, deputy director for Enterprise Development stated entrepreneurs should come to the city’s opportunity centre with their business ideas.
“The City of Joburg is here to handhold you throughout your entrepreneurial journey so that you become sustainable and can run your business successfully. The main objective of the city is to create an enabling environment for you to thrive. There is a market in agriculture as everyone needs food. You are not only doing it for your family but for the community at large,” concluded Malimela.
