KOMANI – More than 700 young people from across the Chris Hani District have begun their journey to becoming qualified artisans following the launch of a new skills development programme aimed at tackling unemployment and stimulating economic growth.
Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe was addressing 710 beneficiaries of the programme, initiated by the Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) in partnership with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and the BCE Institute, at the Thobi Kula Indoor Sports Complex.
The programme will serve as a social compact to rebuild the district’s economy and address unemployment.
In a media invitation to the launch released by the municipality, it said: “Empowerment of young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with artisan skills is key to transforming the district’s socio-economic landscape. It is a fact that many young people face financial hardship, limited education and high unemployment rates, so technical and vocational training offers a practical pathway into the workforce.”
Kontsiwe congratulated the CHDM leadership on the initiative, describing it as progressive and the first of its kind.
She said the programme was unique because, once the training was completed, beneficiaries would not necessarily have to look for work.
“This gathering represents progressive leadership that understands the importance of partnerships in addressing the challenges we face. This coordinated approach to skills development will enable you to earn a living without being employed. You will create jobs and contribute to the economic growth of this district and province,” said Kontsiwe.
She encouraged the beneficiaries, drawn from the district’s six local municipalities, to take full advantage of the programme and not disappoint themselves.
“As you embark on this training, you must not forget the historical inequalities that deprived black people of training and decent work opportunities to actively participate in the economy. Use your stipends wisely and help your families with them,” she said, adding that nails and weaves did not have to be bought every month, to thunderous laughter from the audience.
Kontsiwe said her department appreciated artisans because they help design and maintain agricultural infrastructure.
She said the development programme was not confined to the building trades but was about building a resilient and inclusive economy.
The initiative forms part of the already established Labour Activation Programme through Food Aggregation, with a total of 3,600 beneficiaries comprising 710 artisan trainees, 1,600 participants in skills programmes and 1,630 learnership beneficiaries.
BCE Institute Managing Director Hamlet Basheng said the training would include, but not be limited to, carpentry, electrical work and welding.
“Everyone around you has done their part. Now the ball is in your court. You have jobs waiting for you at the end of the programme, and now the competition is between you and yourself. Bring your A-game every day and do not fall from this grace,” he said.
CHDM Executive Mayor Lusanda Sizani said the launch marked a milestone in addressing the triple challenges of youth unemployment, inequality and poverty.
He said when the programme’s beneficiaries entered the mainstream economy, they would help combat these challenges.
Sizani said it was important that beneficiaries did not drop out along the way and that all 710 participants graduated at the end of the programme.
“We congratulate the selected young people, and you must ensure that the programme is a success. We want development for the people of the Chris Hani District municipal area. We have land, we have livestock, and we are open for investment. We want to build agriculture as the anchor of our local economy,” said Sizani.
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