CITY of uMhlathuze Deputy Mayor Cllr Silondile Mkhize has heaped praise at the private sector for its continued involvement in community upliftment projects.
Mkhize was speaking at the Youth Development Programme Award Certificates held last week at the City of uMhlathuze Auditorium.
About 20 young people from Ward 5, 6, 7 and 8 were awarded with certificates after completing their three months courses on civil construction, carpentry and bricklaying, SMME training, introduction to computer and point of sale, and forklift, front end loader and overhead cranes.
The programme was a joint venture between the City of uMhlathuze, Foskor and Zululand Chamber of Business Foundation, which provided the facilities for training and empowerment of the youth.
‘With this support we are getting from our partners in the private sector, we remain hopeful that we will win the battle against unemployment.
‘I must single out Foskor for taking a leading role in forging links with us in our quest to address the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
‘This has been an exciting project, where our youth have been equipped with the necessary skills needed in the workplace as well as to arm themselves to start their own businesses.
‘When we as a city decided to change our supply management policy, the intention was to address youth unemployment.
‘In this way the onus is on you to prove your worth. You have been given a soccer field to display your football prowess. Show us what you are capable of. This is your time, use it profitably,’ she said.
Commitment
Speaking on behalf of Foskor, Abby Ledwaba, Group Manager for Corporate Affairs said his company believed in being part of the communities.
‘We believe that the money we are putting in this project was not a waste, but an investment.
‘Skills can contribute towards radical economic transformation. The skills you have received should help you start your customer base.
‘It is possible for you to become one of our contractors. We will also demand results for this investment.
‘We will come to the municipality and demand to see the fruits of this project.
‘We will want to know where these youngsters are, what are they doing, and how are they contributing towards radical economic transformation,’ he said.
The event was also attended by ZCBF Manager Mike Patterson, councillors and uMhlathuze Youth Council Chairperson Sphelele ‘Wiwi’ Gumede who commended Foskor for responding to the challenges of young people.
‘We also need to give praise to the leadership of the City of uMhlathuze for strategically identifying young people from Nseleni, where there will soon be a development of a shoping mall.
‘We expect these young people to apply their skills there, during the construction of that development.
‘I’m excited that we have ended the Youth Month on a high note,’ he said.
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