The Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Adv. Albert Fritz, addressed 117 graduates of the Youth Skills Transfer (YST) Programme, who hail from the Cape Metro Regions.
The graduation ceremony was held on Friday (11-03-2016) at the scenic FNB Portside building.
The YST programme is an initiative of the Department of Social Development (DSD) in partnership with the Community Chest and Cape Nature. It was borne out of an extensive 7 month ministerial youth outreach initiative which covered all six regions of the province last year.
The 117 graduates are from Metro East (Blackheath, Eersteriver, Khayelitsha), Metro North (Atlantis, Blikkiesdorp, Delft, Langa, Elsies River) and Metro South (Athlone, Grassy Park, Gugulethu, Retreat, Wynberg).
YST graduates underwent training and workshops offered in 2 blocks of 5 days each. The workshops covered basic market principles and practical business skills in;
- project management,
- event management,
- financial management,
- business skills,
- resource mobilisation,
- marketing and life-skills.
The YST has seen a total of 363 youth from across the province graduate.
In his address, Minister Fritz paid homage to some of the YST graduates, such as Mr. Christiaan Jafta, Ms. Asandiswa Hlaza, and Mordegai Erusmus, who have already used their learnt skills to start small businesses.
|
SMME’s started by YST graduates |
||
|
Name |
Business Name |
Details |
|
Mr. Christiaan Jafta |
CJ Airconditioning |
Airconditioning installations & electronics refurbishment business in Bradeasdorp. |
|
Ms. Asandiswa Hlaza |
Divine Technologies |
Communication design and IT solutions business in Mossel Bay. |
|
Mr. Mario Klein |
Creative Explosions |
Painting classes and hosting painting retreats in Ebenaeser and the rest of the West Coast. |
|
Ms. Leandre Adonis |
Community Fashions |
A ladies fashion clothing store in Bitterfontein (West Coast). |
|
Mr. Mordegai Erusmus |
Mordy’s Musical School |
Performing artist and music lessons business in Groot Brak River |
In congratulating the YST graduates Minister Fritz went on to say, “these graduates who’ve already used their skills to start business should be an example to you. Never let anybody tell you can’t achieve something. You too can get up and change your life”.
Our NGO partner, the Community Chest, will provide ongoing coaching and mentoring services to the participants by providing online and telephonic counseling and networking support. In addition, the youth will be linked to existing opportunities within government, the private sector and other civil agencies, and will be supported and guided when they want to start up their own enterprises.
The Department of Social Development will continue to play its part in delivering on the Provincial Youth Development Strategy, and expand services and opportunities to youth in the province. We can give young people opportunities to unlock their full potential if we continue to work, ‘Better Together’.
Enquiries:
MEC Albert Fritz
Cell: 083 307 0192
Sihle Ngobese
Tel: 021 483 9217
Cell: 076 083 6543
Email: Sihle.Ngobese@westerncape.gov.za
