Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
MINISTER of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Albert Nguluvhe has urged businesses and corporate organisations to employ young people graduating from
Government vocational training and youth service programmes, saying they have skills that can contribute to economic growth and community development.
In an interview, Minister Nguluvhe said the private sector had an important role to play in complementing Government efforts to empower young people by providing opportunities for them to apply their skills in the workplace and establish sustainable livelihoods.
He said vocational training and youth service programmes were important platforms for developing responsible, skilled and productive citizens who could contribute meaningfully to national development.
“Through these programmes, young people acquire knowledge, skills and values that enable them to understand their national responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Grooming responsible citizens remains the cornerstone of the nation.
“In this regard, I urge the business community, institutions and corporate sector to incorporate these young people into their systems,” said Minister Ncube.
“These young people would have acquired crucial skills and knowledge that are important for the country’s development. They must therefore be given an opportunity to get into the field and explore their potential.”
Minister Nguluvhe said young people were not merely beneficiaries of development but active participants capable of driving economic and social transformation.
He called on stakeholders to create opportunities for youths to develop their talents, acquire relevant skills, pursue productive livelihoods and participate in the development of their communities.
Government has been promoting vocational training through the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, with programmes focusing on technical skills,
entrepreneurship and mechanised agricultural practices, among other fields.
The country has 68 vocational training centres, including 15 satellite centres, with plans to establish a centre in every district.
Minister Nguluvhe said graduates from the institutions were equipped with practical skills and values such as discipline, patriotism, hard work, integrity and unity.
He said the programmes also supported Government’s human capital development agenda by preparing young people for employment, entrepreneurship and self-sustenance.
“The Second Republic has entrusted the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training to spearhead the grooming of young people.
“This is done through mainstreaming the participation of youth in national development and
equipping them with technical and vocational skills for employment creation and self-sustenance,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
He said vocational training could also help address social challenges, including drug and substance abuse, by providing young people with practical skills, career guidance and alternative opportunities for personal and economic development.
Minister Nguluvhe said graduates who established businesses could also create employment and provide essential services in their communities, extending the benefits of vocational training
beyond the individuals who received training.
“Vocational training is not merely an educational endeavour; it is a crucial pathway for imparting essential entrepreneurship and technical skills to our communities. This initiative aligns with the human capital development agenda, which prioritises youth empowerment as outlined in the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2),” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe said guidance and counselling, alongside technical training, could help young people build resilience and pursue productive livelihoods.
The call for greater private-sector participation comes as Government continues to promote skills development and youth empowerment as part of its broader development agenda.
