Today, the Western Cape MEC of Social Development, Albert Fritz, visited the Cape Town Society for the Blind (CTSB) in the heart of Salt River. To commemorate CTSB’s 90th anniversary, MEC Fritz has pledged 10 internship opportunities to CTSB.
These internships will be provided through the Cape Youth @ Work Programme which aims to upskill young and vulnerable school leavers to become employable. The internship lasts 4 months. At present, there are approximately 100 interns completing the Cape Youth @ Work Programme who come from Mitchells Plain and surrounding communities.
CTSB aims to empower and upskill the visually impaired and blind, who come from disadvantaged communities. The NPO takes on 120 students per year and trains them in numerous skills including streamlined IT; weaving; metal and woodwork; braille literacy; orientation and mobility including skills of daily living such as dressing and cooking, hospitality industry including barista and waitron training, leadership and personal development; business management and long cane use. Its 36 staff complement work tirelessly to ensure the placement of CTSB students in employment once having completed their training.
MEC Fritz, “I am incredibly impressed with the work that our historic partner, CTSB, is doing in upskilling the most vulnerable in our society. The Western Cape DSD would not be able to achieve this work alone, which is why it is essential that we continue to support the development of our partnering NPOs.”
MEC Fritz further said, “I was particularly heart-warmed to hear the success stories of Yaeesh and Anele, two graduates of CTSB. Upon completing his training, Yaeesh was offered a position to train other baristas in the art of making coffee in Port Elizabeth. Anele, who received accredited training in partnership with Truth Coffees, is in the process of starting his own coffee shop on the township tours route. Both these young men came to CTSB broken and dejected, and left confident and empowered.”
Under the leadership of MEC Fritz, the Department of Social Development will continue to work Better Together with partnering NPOs to ensure that the most vulnerable in our society are given every opportunity to thrive.
Media Enquiries:
MEC Albert Fritz
Cell: 083 307 0192
Cayla Murray
Spokesperson for MEC Albert Fritz
Tel: 021 483 9217
Cell: 064 121 7959
Email: Cayla.Murray@westerncape.gov.za
