The province of KwaZulu-Natal will receive a state of the art youth academy aimed at equipping youth with life skills and enable them to be self-sustainable.
The youth is drawn from all five local municipalities within the uMkhanyakude District, which is one of the poorest districts in the province. The beneficiaries of the programme are drawn from young people who are currently within the courts diversion programmes. They are youth exiting drug rehabilitation centres funded or owned by the Department of Social Development; youth exiting foster care system and youth identified by Operation Sukuma Sakhe War rooms (who have potential but cannot progress due to their circumstances).
The programme aims to provide young people with safety nets so that they will not fall back into anti-social behaviour as a result of their unfortunate circumstances. The duration of the training will be three months and the youth will receive accredited certificates which they can use for further studies, start their own businesses or seek formal employment.
The project is the brainchild of KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Dr Zweli Mkhize and phase 1 is funded to the tune of R20 million by the Department of Social Development. Construction of phase 1 (a) and 2 will resume in the next financial year at the cost of R31 million respectively. Similar projects will be constructed in the next financial year in Vuma, Eshowe (uThungulu District), Ngagane, Newcastle (Amajuba District Municipality), Lions Park, Pietermaritzburg (uMgungundlovu District Municipality).
Premier Mkhize, accompanied by KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development, Mrs Weziwe Thusi, will officiate at the event details of which are as follows:
Date: 7 March 2013
Venue: Highway Sportsground, Esicabazini
Time: 09h00 am
All media are invited to attend and please note photo opportunity.
Ndabezinhle Sibiya (Mr), Spokesperson: Dr Zweli Mkhize - Premier of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal
Cell: 082 375 4742
Vukani Mbhele, Spokesperson: Mrs Weziwe Thusi - MEC for Social Development
Cell: 083 307 8964
