By Siphiwe Nyathi
Mbombela – A total of 120 young people in Mpumalanga have received certificates of recognition after completing their training in the manufacturing of stainless steel and furniture.
The provincial Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism MEC, Pinky Phosa, handed the certificates to the graduates during a ceremony in Middelburg on Tuesday afternoon.
"We need to capacitate young people so that they can become entrepreneurs of note. We are happy that we are also addressing the shortage of scarce skills, while encouraging them to also form cooperatives within their communities,” said MEC Phosa.
She said training young people should be matched with opportunities of employment and entrepreneurial avenues.
"I will engage with other departments so that we can come up with a way to support the small, medium and micro enterprises and youth cooperatives to ensure that they create jobs that are sustainable.
"We cannot invest in the training and fail to support them with market. The government must be a key supporter,” she said.
MEC Phosa said the partnership between her department and the Furniture Technology Centre, Mpumalanga Stainless Initiative, Mpumalanga Stainless Steel Cluster and the Mpumalanga Tooling Initiative has yielded impressive results.
Eighty percent of the young people who completed their training have become entrepreneurs, while some are employed within the manufacturing sector.
The MEC said the department has prioritised job creation and training as part of its contribution towards youth empowerment.
Mpumalanga Tooling Initiative coordinator Rehana Pillodia said they are happy with the post training results for their graduates.
"We are happy about the support from the department and our trainees are being absorbed by various companies while some create jobs for themselves,” she said.
Pillodia said the trainees also received a monthly stipend of R700 over a period of one year.
One of the graduates, S'thembiso Sbayana (22), said the training was a breakthrough for her.
"I wanted to become a technician but did not have money to pursue my dreams. When I heard of the opportunity, I smiled with joy knowing that I will be able to have a career in tooling. Moreover, I enjoyed my training in a male dominated career; I can't wait to hit the work environment,” she said.
Another graduate, Ahmed Mungalee (29), burst into tears of joy when he explained how the Furniture Technology Centre in White River changed his life from humble beginnings.
"From a young age, I've always regarded myself as a businessman, but I did not have the opportunity to pursue my dream. After completing the training in 2012, I went all out to start a furnisher business with nothing but just wood," said Mungalee.
"I am very happy that I grabbed the opportunity with both hands. If I did it - every young person can do it." – SAnews.gov.za
