12 MILLION FUNDING BOOST TO ILEMBE DISTRICT FOR MERSETA ACCREDITED SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
At the official launch of the Skills Revolution Campaign, an initiative by the Moses Kotane Institute (MKI) held at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), the leader of Government Business Mr. Siboniso Duma congratulated the iLembe District on the work being done to improve the skills of young people as he handed over a cheque of R12,3 million to be directed towards implementation and roll-out of a merSETA accredited skills development programme targeting 400 youth in the district.
The Moses Kotane Institute (MKI) lobbied Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA) which is under the Department of Higher Education and Training to secure funding of R126 million for the purposes of closing the skills gap, upskilling and reskilling of its citizens as part of the economic reconstruction and recovery plan to create more jobs for the province.
The Skills Revolution Campaign will positively impact the iLembe district as it is one of the districts that were heavily affected by the disastrous floods with extensive damage to business, roads, bridges, electricity and telecommunications infrastructure, the funds will greatly assist in transforming, signalling hope and prosperity to the residents of iLembe district.
The Mayor of iLembe District Municipality Cllr Thobani Shandu extended his heartfelt appreciation to merSETA, Moses Kotane Institute (MKI) and other crucial partners like the Mangosuthu University of Technology and the district municipality’s very own economic development arm, Enterprise iLembe for the collective efforts in realising mutual goals to improve the quality of life for everyone and rebuilding the economy by sharpening the skills of people within iLembe District, especially the youth. “From both an economics and a developmental perspective, the indispensability of the ensuing skills development programme cannot be overstated. This Skills Revolution Campaign augurs very well for our nascent manufacturing and engineering sector especially given its impact on job creation and role in growing the economy,” concluded Mayor Shandu.
CEO of Enterprise iLembe Mr. Linda Mncube said the merSETA accredited skills development programmes will include automotive body repairs, electro-mechanics, pipe fitting and automotive sales. These programmes will not only upskill the youth but also enhance existing talent which can serve as a catalyst for economic rejuvenation and accelerate job creation and entrepreneurship opportunities in the district.