A 2007 research report for the infrastructure inputs sector strategy released by the Presidency states that in order to construct the 40 million houses imperative for South Africa, the following skilled workers will be needed between 2010 and 2016: 6 235 construction managers or supervisors, 1 871 general and project managers and 624 structural engineers.
This highlights both the need for artisan related skills in the construction industry and opportunities that are likely to be available to young people upon completion of the YouthBuild Ivory Park infrastructure programme.
The YouthBuild Ivory Park infrastructure programme is a partnership between the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), the national Department of Human Settlements and YouthBuild International.
Through this programme, 80 unemployed youth gained technical skills such as electrical engineering, carpentry, brick laying and plumbing, completed their senior certificate and used the acquired skills to do community service and make a difference in their communities.
Phumzile Mbuyane (24) is one of the 80 young people who participated in the programme. “I found out about the programme from a friend and saw a poster at the library, I was unemployed at the time,” she says.
Today, Mbuyane is a qualified carpenter who has big dreams.
“I choose carpentry because my father is a carpenter and I developed a love for this skill. However, unlike my father I wanted to acquire qualifications,” she indicates.
Mbuyane plans to work with her father but has also formed a cooperative with seven other young people that went though the programme.
“There are two electricians, two carpenters, two plumbers and two brick layers in the group, so we can offer a wide range of services”.
According to Yershen Pillay, the NYDA Deputy Chairperson, community service is a major element of the programme because it enables young people to play a role as community anchors while also contributing to housing related needs.
“We hope other young people will be motivated to volunteer in their communities,” says Pillay.
“I really enjoyed giving back to my community and being hands on. Seeing just how much other people are suffering was enlightening, Mbuyane concludes.
Issued by: National Youth Development Agency
25 March 2010
Source: National Youth development Agency (http://www.nyda.gov.za/)
