MIDVAAL – Hope and excitement filled the air in Savanna City on September 1 as the community celebrated the official launch of its first-ever Skills Development Centre. The event drew a large crowd, with both young and old community members packing the venue, highlighting the urgent need for skills training and employment opportunities in the area.

Among those in attendance were three young women: Neo Mokoena (19), Thato Mokoena (22), and Lerato Kgama (31), who toured the new facility, optimistic about the doors this initiative could open for them.

Speaking to Ster North, Neo expressed her aspirations:

“I hope to get into a programme that will help me improve my computer skills. This centre gives me a chance to further my studies and grow my capabilities.”
Thato echoed her excitement, emphasising the positive shift this represents for local youth.

“This centre means a lot to us. It’s not just about gaining skills; it is also a way to keep young people away from the negative influences in society. We won’t be sitting at home doing nothing anymore. This is our opportunity to do something meaningful with our lives.”

Lerato Kgama extended her gratitude to Heineken and the Midvaal Local Municipality for bringing this vision to life.

“Some young people here don’t even have basic computer skills, but that’s about to change. We’ve been looking forward to this day for so long, and now it’s finally here,” she said.

The Skills Development Centre promises to be a game-changer in the community, providing essential training, opening up employment pathways, and giving young people the tools to build a better future.