FILE PHOTO: (LEFT TO RIGHT) – CETA Board Chairperson, Mr Thabo Masombuka, CEO ADM Exec Mayor, Cllr Anele Ntsangani, CETA CEO, Mr Malusi Shezi, CEO of Aspire, Mr Avuyile Xabadiya. Director of SPLED ADM, Ms ZC Xabadiya: PICTURE: Supplied
0 
0 Eastern Cape: New Initiative Aims to Transform the Construction Sector and Empower Youth with Vital Skills
Amathole District Municipality (ADM) and the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) have joined forces to equip young people in the Eastern Cape with crucial skills for the construction industry. This initiative aims to drive economic growth, infrastructure development, and sector transformation while providing opportunities for the youth in one of South Africa’s most promising sectors.
In a significant move to address the high unemployment rates and lack of skills among young people in the Eastern Cape, ADM has partnered with CETA to launch a skills development program focused on the construction industry. This sector is not only a vital part of the economy but also a key area for infrastructure development, making it an ideal target for youth empowerment and transformation.
ADM’s collaboration with CETA comes as a strategic response to the growing construction sector within the district. The ADM recognized the potential for growth and development within the construction industry and sought CETA’s support to drive a comprehensive skills agenda. Through this partnership, R13.8 million has been allocated to fund skills development, benefiting 170 young people in the district.
ADM’s political leadership, recognizing the importance of this initiative, emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration with CETA to expand the program’s reach. Their goal is to increase the number of beneficiaries to 500 in the future.
“The 7th administration has prioritized job creation and skills development, and this program supports that priority,” said the Executive Mayor of ADM. “Ultimately, we want the beneficiaries of this program to be the ones constructing community halls and reservoirs in the municipality.”
The initiative is being driven by the Department of Spatial Planning and Economic Development as part of the broader economic recovery and development strategy for the district.
One of the notable aspects of this program is its focus on promoting gender equality within the construction sector. Traditionally dominated by males, the industry has seen limited participation from women. ADM has been deliberate in selecting young women to participate in the program, giving them the opportunity to compete with their male counterparts and succeed in this challenging field.
The training provider chosen for this initiative, Border Training Centre, will play a crucial role in delivering the necessary theoretical training. In addition to this, the center will provide accommodation to the learners, ensuring they can focus fully on their studies. Once the theoretical component is completed, learners will be assigned to contractors within the district for hands-on mentorship, further enhancing their skills and employability.
Thabo Masombuka, representing CETA, addressed the significance of this partnership, highlighting the organization’s commitment to improving lives and bringing opportunities to underserved areas.
“Umoya uyavuma when you do the right thing,” Masombuka said, expressing the alignment of values between CETA and ADM in this endeavor. He acknowledged the challenges faced by CETA due to limited resources but emphasized the importance of the opportunities provided by this program. “The success of this program will create a point of reference for future programs,” he noted, urging the learners to dedicate themselves fully to their studies.
CETA’s involvement extends beyond this single initiative, with Masombuka mentioning ongoing efforts to establish partnerships with entities such as the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) and the Housing Development Agency (HDA). These partnerships aim to provide beneficiaries with interstate learning opportunities, further broadening their horizons.
“CETA supports areas in South Africa where typical corporates would not go because we believe that is where opportunities and skill are,” Masombuka said, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to reaching marginalized communities.
In his keynote address, the Executive Mayor of ADM, Cllr Anele Ntsangani reflected on the broader vision of the municipality in relation to this program. Describing the initiative as a “spark in the ADM that is here to provide light to the young people,” the mayor shared his mixed emotions—joy for the opportunities created, and sorrow for those who could not be included in the initial intake.
“I am joyful because there are opportunities for young people, but sorrowful because there are some who are not able to be part of the learners that will benefit from the program,” he said. To address this, ADM has established a database of those who could not participate in the first round, ensuring they are prioritized for future opportunities.
The mayor stressed the importance of job creation and skills development, highlighting the interdependence of these two elements in achieving economic growth. “Job creation and skills development are codependent,” he said, emphasizing ADM’s responsibility to create opportunities that will catalyze further development in the district.
He also expressed ADM’s commitment to monitoring the program closely, ensuring that every opportunity is maximized for the learners’ benefit. He encouraged the beneficiaries to persevere, even in challenging areas such as mathematics, and to view failure as a stepping stone to success. “They must put extra effort into areas that are challenging, such as maths,” the mayor advised.
The partnership between ADM and CETA represents a significant step towards empowering the youth of the Eastern Cape, equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in the construction sector.
As the program progresses, it holds the promise of not only transforming the lives of its beneficiaries but also contributing to the broader economic development of the region. By prioritizing education, upskilling, and reskilling, ADM and CETA are laying the foundation for a brighter, more inclusive future for the young people of the Eastern Cape.
About Author
