Gauteng MEC for Local Government and Housing told the young people of the province that, their willingness and passion to learn will liberate them from poverty. MEC Humphrey Mmemezi was speaking at the Gauteng Youth in Human Settlements Summit, which was held at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg.
Mmemezi said it is important for government to create an enabling environment for the youth to realise their potential, and to contribute meaningfully in the betterment of society. “Our mandate is to deliver houses and we are confident that you can unfailingly help us in carrying out this important mandate,” said Mmemezi.
MEC said in order to realise the Housing Department’s Vision 2030, they need to invest in human capital and in skills development. “I would like to encourage the youth present here and beyond this summit, to seriously consider and take construction as a career of choice,” said Mmemezi.
He said there is a huge backlog of houses in Gauteng, compared to other provinces in South Africa. What also compounds this problem, he said, is that land is scarce in this province, owing to the fact that Gauteng is the smallest province geographically and yet highly sought after. Mmemezi told the youth that this comes as both a challenge and an opportunity for them to make a difference working around these problems and limitations.
As part of youth development, the Department of Local Government and Housing partnered with National Youth Development Agency(NYDA) to carry out Youth Builds in Ivory Park where more than 80 young men and women were trained in brick laying, plastering and carpentry. At the end of that project 119 houses were constructed. To date there are advanced plans to undertake a second National Youth Service programme targeting 250 young people.
He said the department together with its partners should ensure that there are sustainable exit opportunities available for these young people as they exit their training with the department.
MEC further said he would like to see more youth-owned construction companies being sub-contracted to bigger companies. “Although you may start small, you can grow and compete with the big players in the industry,” said Mmemezi.
Enquiries:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
E-mail: Motsamai.motlhaolwa@gauteng.gov.za
MEC encourages youth in Gauteng to join the construction industry
Province
