The efforts by the Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs to empower youth by skilling them once again came to light following the recent graduation of sixty (60) unemployed women from disadvantaged communities of Ottoshoop, as well as Tsetse, Magokgwane, Miga, Ramatlabama 600 and Ikopeleng villages under Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality.
The graduates who successfully completed Disaster Risk Management and First Aid training will also undergo Fire Fighting training soon. The purpose of the training is to provide youth especially young women with the necessary skills to deal with disaster incidents when they arise and be able to apply first aid lessons. The training by the department was done in partnership with Mahikeng Local Municipality.
One of the graduates Bonolo Sefularo (25) from Ramatlabama village has been unemployed since matriculating in 2004. She acquired certificate of competency in First Aid which entails Artificial Respiratory (AR) and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
“With the first aid skill that I now possess I’ll be able to save the lives of residents in my community. I now know how to assist those who sustained different injuries including stab wounds. I’m intending to make a meaningful contribution to my community since the local clinic is not open 24hours” she said.
Unemployed Refiloe Mooketsi (21) from Maruping Village is amongst those who completed Disaster Risk Management Basic Course with University of North West. “I’m able to indentify hazards which pose danger to residents and can come up with mechanisms to eliminate them.
For instance here in Maruping village, there are a lot of trenches which are hazardous to us especially children and animals. We can involve the community as well as the municipality to fill such trenches” she said.
Chief Director for Local Governance Mapatane Kgomo addressed the gathering on behalf of MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs Manketsi Tlhape. “Communities are the backbone of our survival as they are the first people to respond to any incident especially when disaster strikes.
This is part of our efforts to ensure that we equip them with the necessary skills to help themselves. Your areas were chosen after several disaster cases were identified which left you vulnerable and exposed to hazards. We expect all graduates to manage all disaster risks and bring change to your communities”.
Meanwhile other sixty (60) departmental women, working for Fire and Emergency Centers in Ngaka Modiri Molema District were also given certificates of recognition for their valuable contribution in disaster management and fire services and making communities safe. The initiative will be taken to other districts in the province.
Enquiries:
Dineo Lolokwane
Spokesperson
Cell: 072 542 8444
