Uniondale learners receive Construction Toolkits as part of Youth Programme | Western Cape Government

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Uniondale learners receive Construction Toolkits as part of Youth Programme

30 August 2021

On Sunday, 29 August 2021, the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements handed over Construction Toolkits to 8 learners in Uniondale, within the George municipal area. 

Le-Roy Mlambo (31) said “We got the tools today. In the beginning it was a struggle with the tools. In this toolbox there is everything we need to go on with the plumbing course; with these tools everything will be much easier. The jobs will go on so we can provide for our families with this toolkit that we got today”.

Mlambo also thanked everyone who the made the opportunity possible. He said even though there were some challenges, he managed to go on with the course through patience and dedication. “I have started my own business. There are a few jobs that I did. I am networking to get more. I am going places with this”  Mlambo added.

Western Cape Human Settlements Minister Tertuis Simmers, who handed over the Constructions Toolkits, said “By investing in our youth we’re ensuring that they’re upskilled and empowered. This helps to not only make them employable, but to forge an entrepreneurial path so that they can also start creating further employment opportunities for others. I’d like to encourage these and other young people to use their skills and tools to not only improve their immediate community, but to look at further opportunities within their municipal area and beyond. The world is now their oyster with limitless opportunities.”

The event marks the learners' completion of their theoretical Plumbing Skills training at a TVET college in Cape Town. The Construction Toolkits consists of: a hacksaw; 450mm pipe wrench; a tube cutter (for copper); grip pipe bender; ball pein hammer; bevel square; 25 x 300 cold chisel;  and a basin spanner. The tools will further assist learners with the practical training component of the programme. The training course is facilitated by the Department, and other stakeholders, through its Youth Empowerment Programme, with a budget of R3 million.

These learners will also receive a stipend for work done on various projects, such as the George Municipality’s War on Leaks project. The Department is proud of the learners' achievements thus far and trusts that the equipment will greatly facilitate the learners' completion of the programme.

This handover shows the Western Cape Government’s commitment to empower young people across this province. This is part of the reason why for the 2021/22 financial year the Department ensured that not less than 50% of the Human Settlements Development Grant (HSDG) is allocated to Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME’s).

Media Enquiries: 

Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers
Tel: 021 483 3397
Mobile: 082 721 3362
Email: Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za

or

Nathan Adriaanse
Director Communication & Stakeholder Relations
Tell: 021 483 2868
Mobile: 083 2631720
Email: Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za