The Coega Driver Training Programme kicked off on the 06 June 2016 at King Hintsa TVET College after a weeklong vigorous training programme for newly appointed Simulator Facilitators. The Driver Training Programme is a joint initiative between the Coega Development Corporation (CDC), Mbhashe Municipality and King Hintsa TVET College aimed at young graduates between the ages of 18-35 years. The programme consists of Learner’s License Training and Simulator Training at no cost to applicants.
“There’s a high percentage of young graduates who are unemployed and are struggling to obtain a driver’s license, some have not even acquired their learners license. Therefore, through this flagship programme, we hope to bridge the gap and at least assist the youth by equipping them with the necessary skill so that they can succeed in the job market,” says Dalitemba Manci, Mbhashe Municapility Special Programmes Unit Officer.
The Mbhashe Municipality which comprises of Idutywa, Elliotdale, Willowvale, and numerous peri-urban and rural settlements is has approximately 78% youths. Furthermore, according to a report done by Statistic South Africa (SA), an estimated 50,7% of the youth of Mbhashe Municapality are unemployed.
According to Fezeka Mgxaji, Office Manager at King Hintsa TVET College, a total of 1,537 final year students currently completing their studies (Level 4, N3 and N6) are targeted as beneficiaries of the Driver Training Programme.
“Just like a formal qualification has become a basic requirement to qualify for a job, obtaining a driver’s license has also become an imperative. Our priority is making sure that those at exit point are well prepared to compete in the job market.”
The Simulator Facilitator Training programme, held at the Coega Development Corporation (CDC) on the 30 May – 3 June , was attended by Mfingo Siko (29) from Willowvale and Athenkosi Mkosana (26) from Idutywa.
“Thanks to the training provided by CDC, I will be giving back to my community by teaching the disadvantaged youth of Mbhashe Municipality how to be responsible drivers,” says Siko.
Mkhosana (26) who has struggled to obtain a secure job, is also benefitting from this programme.
“My job in the capacity of a simulator facilitator is helping to provide a stable income to support my three siblings, who I financially support.”
To diversify the services offered by the programme and meet the needs of the Mbhashe Municapility community, it is expected that by end of June, a testing ground facility for code 8, 10 and 14 licenses will be ready for operational use.
Alan Straton
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