Over hundred young people volunteered their services to build houses in a four week period in the process receiving skills on how to build a house and other related training. This was part of the Human Settlement’s Annual Youth Build programme to commemorate 16 June 1976.
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Molemole, North of Polokwane on Thursday, Human Settlement’s Minister Tokyo Sexwale praised the dedication of the youth volunteers who built the 76 houses for the homeless without receiving any form of payment. Instead, these young people will receive formal training from the National Home Builders Registration Council to prepare them for the job market.
“These young people have selflessly dedicated their time to ensure that those without decent shelter will sleep in comfort today; they will not become victims of the floods we are experiencing right now. Most importantly they have brought back the dignity of the recipients and for this we salute their dedication. It is indeed in line with the spirit of the ’76 generation,” said Sexwale.
He said the only way to get the youth out of poverty was to provide them with skills that will enable them to find jobs, warning that failure to do so will negatively affect the government’s job creation initiatives.
“The young people who have volunteered their services for free to assist in building these houses will be formally trained in bricklaying, plumbing and plastering amongst other things with those successful receiving an NQ4 certificate,” said Sexwale.
Among the recipients of houses was Rosina Mokgatjane, a 109 year old woman who took part in the historic 1956 women’s march against pass laws. Also receiving a home was an orphaned 20 year Donald Mubirwa who lives with his 18 year old sister.
Enquiries:
Mandulo Maphumulo
Cell: 079 699 5145
Source:Department of Human Settlements
Human Settlements contributes to youth skills development
