Local Government and Housing MEC Humphrey Mmemezi told the youth of Winterveldt in Tshwane that economic freedom is an important goal but demanding it without prioritising education and skills will be a serious mistake. He said this in Winterveld after handing over computers to a local school as part of youth month celebrations.
Mmemezi said the economy was complex and that it needs education and various skills. He said the youth should take advantage of opportunities in the construction industry.
MEC Mmemezi and Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality MMC for Housing Joshua Ngonyama visited the area of Winterveldt where 150 youth are undergoing training in construction. The training is aimed at encouraging young people to take part in the construction and Human Settlements industry. This is an initiative also supported by the National Human Settlements Department, National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC).
These young people will build at least 20 RDP houses under the watchful eye of a contractor who is building houses in the area.
Mmemezi said construction industry goes way beyond building RDP houses. “There are other many opportunities that exist in roads construction, building of bridges, and construction of high rise buildings and so on,” said Mmemezi.
He urged the students to take the programme very seriously, and make sure that the programme becomes a resounding success. “With the housing backlog of over 1million a lot of work still needs to be done in Gauteng. The backlog of houses in Gauteng is huge, compared to other provinces in South Africa. This is both a challenge and an opportunity for you to make a difference in the lives of those still waiting for housing opportunities,” said Mmemezi.
Mmemezi believes that the programme will produce the much needed skills, and hopes that the implementation of these skills will work towards the betterment of the people of Gauteng.
He said there are people who do not have a matric certificate, but can make a meaningful contribution in construction as workers and entrepreneurs. “These are people in brick making, brick-laying, window fitting, plastering, flooring, roofing, paving and so on. So there exists an opportunity for everyone in construction,” concluded Mmemezi.
Enquiries:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
E-mail: motlhaolwa@gauteng.gov.za
MEC urges young people to use government training opportunities
Province
