Fifty Beneficiaries on Course to Getting Drivers’ Licences

Fifty (50) Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) beneficiaries from various parts of the Western Cape are determined to get their learners’ licences through lessons presented by the Department of Transport and Public Works.

The lessons are taking place in Paarl from 14 to 17 July 2014.

The beneficiaries are employed at various Cape Nature sites in the Western Cape. They are from Knysna, George, Stilbaai, Tulbagh, Ceres and Kleinmond.

Road Safety Management

The course is part of the department’s road safety management initiative for high school learners and unemployed youth. It is based on the K53 defensive driving system, which covers the rules of the road, road signs, markings and vehicle controls.

In addition to the standard requirements, the department has added important road safety education elements.

Facilitator Soemaya Davids of Road Safety Management says they included road safety messages throughout the course.

“We present the importance of pedestrian and cyclist safety, the use of cell phones while driving, and what makes a good driver. We want participants to get their learners’ licences and to become conscious and responsible drivers”.

Job Opportunities

Participants are excited at the prospect of getting their learners’ licences and the possible job opportunities that go with that. Lukhanyo Malolengwe (26) from George says he is grateful for the opportunity.

“I didn’t pass matric, so I’m hoping that obtaining a driver’s licence will eventually open doors for me”.

Neo Nenxinane (23) from Ceres is looking forward to writing a mock learner’s licence test on Wednesday, 16 July 2014 in preparation for the real test.

“I hope to get a better job soon. Nowadays, having a driver’s licence is a requirement for many good jobs. I’m not taking this opportunity for granted”.

Davids said that the department has committed itself to pay for learners’ licence appointments for those course participants who successfully pass the mock test. “Through this course, the department is committed to providing opportunities for participants to empower themselves without them having to pay training fees or learners’ licence fees at their local traffic departments.”