Umzinyathi continues to progress despite being under Administration…
"These young people have taken the first step on the ladder and now it is up to them to continue improving themselves." Dr Ntombela said the Municipality took pride in the fact that the course had not cost the 'students a cent'.
Although Umzinyathi District Municipality is in a political stalemate with no Mayor or Council after it was put under administration, the work is continuing ‘like never before’.
Dr EMS Ntombela, Umzinyathi municipal manager, was talking at a graduation ceremony on Friday where about 15 students qualified in water and waste water treatment process operations. The District Municipality facilitated the course.
“With or without a Council we are fully operational. Our officials are not loafing. In fact, we are working flat out. People are being hired and others fired for misconduct.”
Dr Ntombela said the graduation of the students – some of whom are working at Umzinyathi – was indicative of the progressive approach adopted by the District.
“We are the only District in the province to properly implement this skills development programme. Other districts are clamouring to find out how we did it. By qualifying these learners, we are creating a pool of qualified, employable people that will ease the unemployment rate.
“With this approved and recognised qualification that includes 136 credits, these students will be snapped up by other Districts but we hope to absorb most of them into Umzinyathi.” Dr Ntombela said the emphasis on water quality could not be overemphasized as the District was striving for a blue drop quality status for water and a green drop status for sanitation services.
“These young people have taken the first step on the ladder and now it is up to them to continue improving themselves.” Dr Ntombela said the Municipality took pride in the fact that the course had not cost the ‘students a cent’.
His sentiments were echoed by GS Vilakazi, Human Resources Manager, he said life was about achieving certificates: birth certificates, matric certificate, tertiary education certificates and then, the death certificate/ He added that he had once been a general worker on a coal mine, shovelling mud, before making up his mind to study and eventually become the Human Resources Manager in the District Municipality.
As for the students, it was left to the inimitable Eugene Mahlaba, to thank course facilitator, Mrs Hlongwane and the District officials for encouraging the students and making their dreams come true.
