Skills programme opens doors for local graduate
A Roodepoort woman turned years of unemployment into a new career after completing an entrepreneurship qualification.
Years of unemployment came to an end for Nonkululeko Winterrose Dlamini after completing an entrepreneurship qualification that helped her secure her first formal job.
Dlamini was among 69 young South Africans who received a National Certificate in Entrepreneurship, Business Management and Employability Skills at the Services Sector Education and Training Authority’s (Services SETA) graduation ceremony at the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel in June.
The graduation formed part of the Partnership in Progress initiative led by Services SETA, the City of Johannesburg and the Phosaane Institute. The programme equips unemployed young people with practical business, entrepreneurship and employability skills while connecting them with work and enterprise opportunities.
For Nonkululeko, the qualification represents far more than a certificate.
“I feel proud and blessed. This achievement changed my life after a hard time trying to find myself,” she said.
Like many young South Africans, Nonkululeko faced numerous setbacks while searching for work.
“It was not easy. There were challenges, but I had to learn from them to stay focused, become more confident and learn from every experience,” she said.
Rather than allowing those challenges to define her, she used them as motivation to keep learning and developing new skills.
She hopes her story will encourage other young people facing repeated job rejections or uncertain career paths.
“I had a dream and a passion to pursue my dreams. Be a learner, always open to new ideas, and find people who can guide you,” she advised.
The initiative enrolled 98 learners, with 69 completing the qualification. Ten graduates secured employment before graduating, while others have pursued entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities.
“Participating in this initiative has changed my life and opened doors to more opportunities. I just got my first formal job after a long time,” she said.
The ceremony also highlighted the need for continued collaboration between government, training providers and the private sector. With 59 graduates still seeking workplace experience, internships, mentorship and market access, stakeholders called for stronger partnerships to create sustainable employment opportunities.
Dlamini’s journey from unemployment to formal employment highlights the impact of skills development and collaboration in helping young people build meaningful careers.
