Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is dedicated to ensuring that young people in Gauteng schools leave with skills that prepare them for the world of work.
Speaking at an employer’s breakfast session at Kempton Park Civic Centre on Friday, Premier Lesufi highlighted South Africa’s need to adapt to an ever-changing technological era.
“As the provincial government, our approach is straightforward. We developed a document called Skills of the Future, and then we transformed our schools to cultivate those skills. Converting schools into specialized institutions was no small feat.
“If we fail to do this, we can’t sustain jobs in Gauteng. Despite lacking an ocean, we have a school of maritime studies. During school holidays, students delve deep into the ocean to learn these future-oriented skills. We also have learners acquiring aviation skills at O.R Tambo airport.”
He mentioned Pace College, which specializes in the financial sector, and how it was vandalized but restored into a school of engineering in Soweto.
“We’re evolving our skills, and I’m pleased to share this vision with the minister because our purpose is to serve our people,” Lesufi added.
Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi emphasized the need for widespread implementation of training to multi-skill the unemployed for the ever-changing technological landscape.
Last week, Minister Nxesi announced a R23.8-billion program through the Unemployment Insurance Fund’s LAP to finance training for employment and entrepreneurship.
He expressed concern over Gauteng’s high unemployment rate, especially given its status as the country’s economic hub.
During the employer breakfast, several service providers received certificates confirming their participation in the training and employment program for entrepreneurship development.
By Lerato Mailoane
