A group of 71 trainees who successfully completed a Biodiversity and Food Preservation programme are beaming with pride after graduating.
These graduates were presented certificates at a ceremony held on 30 April in Botshabelo.
Josial Ramokoena, spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services Free State and Northern Cape, said graduates include 18 parolee and 53 community members.
He said the National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services, Makgothi Thobakgale, presented competency certificates to all candidates in collaboration with Meals on Wheels Community Service South Africa (MOWCS SA).
The candidates completed training in Biodiversity and Food Preservation at the Botshabelo Skills Centre.
“They have been trained to preserve food, in order to reduce food waste and extend the shelf-life of consumables, and also learnt the importance of plants and animals and their roles in the ecosystem so as to maintain earth balance. In providing food security to South Africans living in poverty, such initiatives are also much-needed for the upliftment of township economies and to further assist families to better preserve food,” said Ramokoena.
He said through training candidates were also provided an opportunity to create their own businesses, and possibly create employment in their communities.
“The initiative forms part of the quest of both DCS and MOWCS SA to work with communities, businesses and other stakeholders in an effort to develop sustainable skills that will benefit young South Africans. A parolee who successfully complete the programme were best position to positively turn their lives, inspiring other parolees to seize life-changing programmes,” said Ramokoena.
