Thanks to an investment by their local ward councillor, 14 young people from Ward 86 in Lwandle obtained their learner’s licence on Friday 11 December.
The project is the brainchild of Councillor Xolani Diniso, and the recipients were among a group of young people who were identified to benefit from his Youth Skills Development Programme.
The special handover event was held at Diniso’s office. Describing the event as the first of its kind, he said the aim is to empower youth to be able to stand on their own.
“There were 30 of them and only 14 managed to succeed. This programme is part of the Council’s Youth Skills Development Programme, which aim is to empower young people to be employable. We are trying to close the gap between those who have and don’t have. We are trying to assist where we can.”
He said the beneficiaries ages range from 18 to 35 years old, and a driver’s licence is a must-have these days to be employed.
Diniso stated it is community leaders’ obligation to transform the lives of the people. “Giving food parcels to the community is a short-term intervention. We need to come up with sustainable programmes. The programmes that will change our people’s lives for good.
“We need to engage with them and find out what their needs are, instead of thinking for them.” He said the programme cost R50 000 from the ward allocation budget.
One of the beneficiaries, Nasiphi Tom (29), said her life will never be the same again. “At least I have something to start on. It means a lot to me. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. I thank the councillor for coming up with such a great initiative.”
She said she will make sure she takes her driver’s licence test before her learner’s expires.
