R7.9 billion boost for skills development

Hoping to stem the shortage of skilled workers in the country, minister in the presidency responsible for planning, monitoring and evaluation, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and minister of labour Mildred Oliphant recently launched a training programme worth about R7.9 billion.

The programme was launched at Sugar Rush Park on April 24 after the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and the Compensation Fund (CF) partnered with 32 state owned training institutions to implement training of close to 160 000 students, with the aim of creating jobs and entrepreneurs in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Most of the beneficiaries are from rural areas and we have partnered with different organizations to help and train these young people, focusing more on the scarce skills,” said Oliphant.

Students will receive monthly stipends and the training will vary from producing pilots and doctors to scuba diving instructors and farmers.

Dlamini-Zuma praised UIF’s labour action programmes (LAP) and encouraged the department of labour to urgently upscale it to other provinces, especially to the youth in rural and township areas.

The day began with a flight demonstration by pilot students funded by UIF at the King Shaka International Airport and testimonies from students in various fields.

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Siphesihle Mdlalose, a first year medical student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, related an emotional story of how he often used to go to campus not knowing where he would get funding to continue his studies.

“It was tough on my family and myself not knowing where I would get the money, but after the department assisted me, I was and remain extremely grateful. The entire experience has made me want to be a doctor that will serve the community and I hope the department does this for others,” said Mdlalose.

Hlengiwe Ngcobo, a student in the scuba diving project, recalled that she did not even know how to swim before she was recruited.

“I had finished my photography diploma and did not have money to do my B-tech degree. Now I am a qualified master diver who can teach others,” said Ngcobo.

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