YOUTH from underprivileged communities in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) have been given a chance to secure employment, thanks to a skills development programme, launched by the South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF).
Young women from the northern areas, currently struggling to find employment, due to lack of skills and work experience, now have an opportunity to be self-sufficient.
The local SANZAF office recently opted to enrol these women for a three-day above floor cleaning course at Siyaya Skills institute..
Lateefa Mackay, Hajira Khan, Shariefa Hendricks and Thowaiba Cain took part in an intensive cleaning course where they were taught professional hygiene skills, such as cleaning surfaces effectively, different types of chemicals used and how to compose them, how to operate different cleaning equipment, as well as terminologies used in the cleaning industry.
“They are now skilled enough to embark on an employment quest or business venture. Currently they are planning on drafting a business plan in order to source funding needed to start their own cleaning business,” said Siyamthanda Spaji, PR assistant for SANZAF.
They also initiated a skills development programme in Malabar, which includes upholstery training sessions to take place daily for a period of six months to three years.
The programmes are aimed at providing youth from underprivileged communities an opportunity to acquire valuable skills they can use to generate a sustainable source of income for themselves and break the cycle of poverty.
Training is facilitated by Yassim Breener, an upholsterer with 30 years’ experience in the industry. Breener approached the SANZAF office to request assistance towards tools, machines and equipment needed to relaunch his upholstery business, which will allow him to repair furniture, as well as make upholstered furniture.
Breener further offered to train unemployed youth to empower them with skills in the field of furniture making and upholstery.
“SANZAF responded to Breener’s proposition by making provision for purchase and delivery of training equipment in order for Breener to effectively commence and sustain a functional training programme,” said Spaji.
The learners currently taking part in the programme are Unathi Kitsane, Ridwaan Ismael, Xolani Matshisi and Kwanele Nyama.
They will be taught advance upholstery skills, such as pattern making, frame making, fabric cutting, foam laying and cushion filling over six months.
- For more info regarding the SANZAF skills developmental programmes, contact the SANZAF office in Gqeberha at 041 457 1459 or portelizabeth@sanzaf.orgza.
