Centre provides skills training for youth
The training at the Tolomane Mnyayiza Youth Development Centre ran from July 2024 to January 2025.
Forty young people from disadvantaged communities graduated after completing training at the Tolomane Mnyayiza Youth Development Centre in Boboyi last week.
They trained in plumbing, professional cookery, clothing manufacturing, and end-user computing.
The centre conducted the skills development and entrepreneurship programme in collaboration with the National Youth Development Agency.
The KZN Department of Social Development director for youth and women directorate, Xolani Makhwasa, said the training ran from July 2024 to January 2025.
Makhwasa described the initiative as a compulsory leadership and life skills development programme which complemented the technical training, focusing on essential soft skills for navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and personal growth.
He said the programme culminated in two intensive workshops in January 2025.
“The workshops were Start Your Business training programme and Pitch and Polish training. These workshops provided aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills to develop robust business plans, refine their pitches, and prepare to launch their ventures,” he said.
He added that the many participants of the programme who come from families reliant on social grants demonstrated dedication throughout the programme.
Makhwasa said their commitment to self-improvement and eagerness to contribute to the local economy are truly inspiring.
“These young people have shown incredible determination. They have faced significant challenges but embraced the opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their families. We are incredibly proud of their achievements,” he said.
Makhwasa added that the success of the programme highlighted the importance of investing in skills development and entrepreneurship training for young people.
He said by providing them with the necessary tools and support, these programmes empower individuals to break the cycle of poverty and create a more prosperous future for their communities.
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