The Coega Development Corporation (Coega) and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, today, celebrated the graduation and enhanced employability of over 30 National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC) trainees at the Coega Business Centre, in Gqeberha. This milestone is the outcome of successful collaboration between Coega and the DALRRD following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in April 2024.
Following the signing of the MoU, the cohort of graduate artisans is the first to successfully qualify as maintenance and repair workers through the Coega Skills Development Centre (SDC), with close to 50% securing opportunities through Coega’s infrastructure development portfolio and three being absorbed by the contractor.
Ms. Nomtandazo Moyo, DALLRD Deputy Director-General, expressed her excitement at the positive outcome of the long-standing partnership between Coega and the DALRRD.
“The partnerships between DALRRD, Coega and other stakeholders are important, not only in the context of development in general, but they are a positive indicator of being responsive, effective, and sustainable in ultimately contributing to the wellbeing and prosperity of the youth here today. They will become leaders of industries and contribute to the local economy,” said Moyo.
Funded by the DALRRD, the graduates underwent a 14-week accredited course in general maintenance and repairing at the Coega SDC, earning 82 credits toward a National Qualification Framework qualification.
Ms. Mokgaetši Sebothoma, Coega’s Executive Manager for Corporate Services, under which the Coega SDC resides, remarked on the importance of artisanal and vocational training in the broader scheme of socio-economic development: “The Coega Skills Development Centre offers training programmes that are designed to address the skills gap and create employment opportunities. By equipping individuals with in-demand skills, we are empowering them to contribute to the economy and improve their livelihoods.”
NARYSEC Training Programme Graduate, Ms. Zodwa Mfama, shared her experience: “I am grateful to my mentors for supporting me on this journey. It was a challenging experience, and I wanted to give up. However, it worked out in the end. I am here today employed, and I am able to put food on the table at home,” said Mfama.
The aim of Coega’s skills development courses is to empower unemployed youth by enhancing their employability and fostering entrepreneurial potential. Funding is a key enabler for the Coega SDC to execute its training mandate. Currently, the SDC solicits funding in the form of conditional grants from various SETAs. When funding is approved, Coega’s Recruitment and Placement Unit scouts the Gateway-2-Opportunity (G2O) database for suitable candidates. Public and private sector entities can enlist the services of the SDC on a fee-for-service basis.
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Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is a beautiful city located on the coast in the Eastern Cape Province and is known as the “Friendly City”, with other towns in this district including Kariega (Uitenage) and Despatch. Forming part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, Gqeberha has stunning beaches, historical museums and memorials, award-winning wildlife sanctuaries and super friendly people, making it a spectacular holiday destination.
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