Ntabankulu Local Municipality celebrated Youth Day (June 16) in a unique and meaningful way as young people under the municipality signed contracts and received study materials for an Agricultural Learnership programme.
This group marks the second cohort to benefit during Youth Day celebrations, following the 2024 initiative where 100 young people secured internships, apprenticeships, and learnerships.
The municipality has shifted away from hosting events with limited impact on youth, instead focusing on tangible interventions. Skills development, particularly in artisan education, forms a key part of the municipality’s strategies to tackle unemployment among young people. These critical skills provide opportunities for employment and support self-sufficiency.
The Mayor of Ntabankulu Local Municipality, Councillor Tsileng Sobuthongo, declared that education and skills development will remain a top priority in the fight against unemployment, poverty and inequality in Ntabankulu. To support this commitment, the municipality has launched initiatives spanning Early Childhood Development, High School Education, and post-school programmes, including internships, apprenticeships, and learnerships.
Young participants were elated as they signed their contracts and received their study materials for the programme.
Head of Communications for Ntabankulu Local Municipality, Lungisile Mzanywa, confirmed that the internship programme will run for 12 months, after which participants will gain qualifications.
He mentioned that efforts would be made to place the graduates in positions through the municipality’s partnerships, but this is not guaranteed, as it depends on agreements with the funders.
Mzanywa also acknowledged that once the current group completes the programme, another group will be selected. However, he said the category for the next group has not yet been determined, as discussions with funders are still ongoing.
