Transport Education Training Authority announces ground-breaking programmes valued at R84m
The total of these projects will create opportunities for more than 5 800 unemployed youth in South Africa.
Transport Education Training Authority launched its Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Programmes (ERRP) on October 25 at Premier Hotel, Midrand.
It is the authority’s responsibility to develop skills within the transportation sector, and it is committed to building a pool of highly skilled, competitive, and competent individuals in order to function effectively within it through the implementation of the National Skills Development Plan.
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In partnership with BankSETA, the authority unveiled projects valued at over R84 million as part of a grand scheme to take advantage of opportunities with the last mile delivery services and contribute toward the ERRP.
The partnership is poised to impact 1 200 unemployed youth and create opportunities for motorbike licences, entrepreneurship training, business start-up, and direct connection to the e-commerce business for delivery services.
This initiative hopes to stop young people from joining the swelling ranks of the unemployed. The Authority EmpowaYouth programme flagship initiative targeted 4 500 young people in different provinces with tangible opportunities aligned with economic drivers.
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To more effectively support the development of knowledge and innovation among industry employees, the authority has established a partnership with the World Maritime University to place locals seeking postgraduate qualifications in Maritime Studies (MSc and PhD).
They also launched a package for the TVET colleges which will see support for 100 students assisted with driver’s licences and further participating in learnership programmes in China.
The total of these projects will create opportunities for more than 5 800 unemployed youth in South Africa.
Famanda Shirindza, the authority’s COO, said South Africa’s ERRP set out a bold vision and immediate actions to rebuild the economy.
“ERRP packages are youth-centric given the ultimate purpose of empowering young people and transforming them into active citizens. In a greater part, our efforts are a response to tackling youth unemployment which is a crucial aspect of the country’s economic recovery strategies,” said Shirindza.
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Dr Maphefo Anno-Frempong CEO of the authority said, “What we’ve achieved today is a testament that with partnerships, we can put forward a meaningful fight against youth unemployment in our country.”
The Midrand Reporter interviewed local resident Richard Mdluli-Manzini about youth unemployment in South Africa, and he said the restlessness, poverty, and inequality facing young people have long been considered a national catastrophe.
“Without addressing the unemployment rate among the youths, social problems such as crime, insecurity, and banditry will inevitably arise, so ERRP programmes will certainly be beneficial,” Mdluli-Manzini concluded.
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