Mayor signs agreement to empower youth
According to the municipality, this partnership will see 6 000 unemployed youth from eThekwini receive training to become Solar Technicians.
IN an effort to tackle the unemployment crisis affecting thousands of young South Africans and young people living in KwaZulu-Natal, the eThekwini Municipality has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the KwaZulu-Natal Education Development Trust for an initiative called the Youth for Energy Transition Programme (YETP).
According to the municipality, this partnership will see 6 000 unemployed youth from eThekwini receive training to become Solar Technicians.
“The training will enable the youth to participate in the City’s energy transition initiatives and take advantage of job opportunities from the private sector and other government energy-infrastructure projects. After completing their training, the youth will also participate in the City’s Social Energy Infrastructure Programme which works towards modernising and restoring energy security in key community facilities such as public schools, hospitals, clinics, and in townships,” said the City in a recent statement.
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During a roundtable session held on Friday at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) with various energy stakeholders, eThekwini mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said the City recognises the importance of empowering the youth with necessary skills and knowledge, especially as the country is facing an energy crisis.
He said for the country to adequately address the energy crisis, it was vital to harness the skills and talents of young people who are the future.
“We are delighted that we have signed an MOU with the KwaZulu-Natal Education Development Trust for the YETP which will create opportunities for 6 000 youth in the City,” said Mayor Kaunda.
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“The first phase of the programme will see the installation of solar panels and bio-gas digesters in public schools while the second phase will see the installation of solar panels in hospitals and clinics. The third phase will be the installation of high-mast lights across rural and township communities to reduce crime, particularly during load-shedding,” said the municipality.
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