THE graduates of eThekwini Municipality’s ward-based community development and vocational training programme in Umgababa have been told to use their newly acquired skills to better themselves and to improve their communities.

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On October 15, the group of men and women graduated after undergoing intensive three-month vocational training in trades that include plumbing, electricity, bricklaying, and painting.

The graduation ceremony was held at Umnini Thusong Centre and was attended by outgoing Ward 98 councillor Arthur Mgobhozi, traditional leaders, and members of the community.

The training was part of eThekwini’s ward-based community development and vocational training initiatives to equip unemployed residents and youth with practical, market-ready skills. It targeted unemployed youth and residents, with a strong focus on women and vulnerable groups.

Mgobhozi said the qualifications are aligned with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). “At NQF3, these are real qualifications that these graduates can add on if they wish to continue studying on their own and become artisans in their fields. They can use them to earn a living and also to uplift their communities,” said Mgobhozi.

The reason for a formal graduation ceremony, he said, was to encourage others to study by making them also wish to be lauded like the graduates.

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