#YouthMonth: Engen upskills youth with development programme
The programme aims to equip youth with the necessary skills to enhance future job opportunities, and a highlight of their recent work was a programme that provided experience and learning in IT and robotics to nine interns from Wentworth.
AS Youth Month unfolds, Engen proudly celebrates its ongoing commitment to youth empowerment and community development through the Engen Global Citizen Development Programme (EGCDP).
This programme launched in April 2023 and aims to significantly enhance job prospects for the young, unemployed people who reside in the South Durban suburbs of Umlazi, Wentworth, Lamontville and Merebank.
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A testament to Engen’s dedication to progress, the EGCDP offers artisan training, learnership opportunities, accredited qualifications and Adult-Based Education and Training (ABET) to 100 individuals.
The 18-month programme is a collaborative intervention by the Community-Engen Joint Committee to provide vital skills and competencies that pave the way for a brighter future for attendees.
Olwethu Mdabula, Engen’s CSI manager, remarks on the success of the EGCDP to date: “This programme is not just about training; it’s about transforming lives. By equipping our participants with valuable skills, we are enhancing their future job prospects and contributing to the socio-economic upliftment of our community.”
A standout success story is Mlungiseleli Bucu, the 35-year-old founder and CEO of 4th AI Holdings (trading as MedRobotics). A visionary entrepreneur, Mlungiseleli has been instrumental in mentoring and upskilling nine interns from Wentworth by providing hands-on experience in IT and robotics, with many now poised for permanent positions, either within 4th AI or other companies.
“We are immensely proud of Mlungiseleli’s achievements and his contribution to the community. His work exemplifies the transformative power of the EGCDP,” says Mmalenyalo Galane, Engen’s skills development manager.
“This is a success story that underscores our commitment to empowering the youth and unemployed, providing them with a springboard to a prosperous future.”
Mlungiseleli says being part of the EGCDP has been a remarkable journey.
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“It is incredibly fulfilling to see the interns grow and develop their skills, knowing that we are making a real difference in their lives and the broader community.
“This partnership with Engen has allowed 4th AI to extend our impact and help shape the future of these talented individuals.”
Sihle Jozi, one of the interns participating in the programme, is excited about the opportunities provided. “Thanks to Engen and 4th AI Holdings, the future holds promise.”
Quinton Joseph says the training and mentorship received through the EGCDP and 4th AI has been life-changing. “I now feel confident in my skills and am excited about my future career prospects in the IT and robotics fields.”
Fellow intern Joel Sookdeo adds, “This programme has opened so many doors for me. The hands-on experience and support from Mlungiseleli and the team at 4th AI have given me the tools I need to succeed. I am grateful to Engen for this opportunity and look forward to contributing to my community and beyond.”
4th AI offers a range of services, including training in robotics, AI-machine learning, blockchain, IOT and various programming languages, as well as mobile app development, website development, business consultation, keynote speaker (entrepreneurship & leadership) and company branding.
“The company’s mission is to empower businesses through data-driven insights and cutting-edge technology,” comments Mlungiseleli.
Cato Manor-based, 4th AI Holdings was founded in 2021 and has quickly garnered accolades for its innovative approach.
Under Mlungiseleli’s leadership, the company was recognised as the Best Tech Company of the Year in 2021 by Innobiz DUT (Durban University of Technology) and has participated in various high-impact projects, including a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) pilot initiative focused on climate solutions.
In addition to his partnership with the EGCDP, Mlungiseleli actively engages with the local community to identify and address challenges, reflecting his deep-rooted commitment to societal development.
Among numerous awards and achievements, Mlungiseleli was a finalist in the 2022 Innovation Hub, GAP Medical and Bioscience competition where he received executive education training from Emory University. He was also honoured as the Innovative Thinker/Speaker of the Year in 2023 by the Regent Business School under the Robotic Process Automation Programme.
“As we celebrate Youth Month, we recognise the vital role that SMEEs like 4th AI and programmes like the EGCDP play in shaping the future of our communities. Empowering young individuals not only benefits them personally but also drives the broader economy of South Africa. Engen is honoured to be part of this transformative journey,” Galane added.
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