Online Reporter
Nothando Zondo, [email protected]
Umzingwane legislator and Deputy Minister of Defence Brigadier-General (Rtd) Levi Mayihlome has challenged graduates of a personal skills development programme to use their newly acquired skills to create livelihoods rather than wait for formal employment or Government assistance.
He made the call while officiating at the graduation ceremony of Umzingwane residents who underwent various skills training facilitated by Tonganyika Trust at Esikhoveni Public Service Training Centre this week.
Brig-Gen (Rtd) Mayihlome said skills development was critical in addressing unemployment and advancing the country’s Vision 2030.
“The Government has embraced personal skills development as one of the most effective ways to lift people out of poverty after realising that many young people remained unemployed while formal job opportunities were limited, “ he said.
He added that the constituency embraced Tonganyika Trust’s offer with the aim of ensuring every ward and village was covered.
Brig-Gen (Rtd) Mayihlome urged graduates trained in hairdressing, catering and detergents manufacturing to start small businesses and build a reputation through quality service and products.
“Why should communities travel to Bulawayo for services that could be provided locally?” he asked.
“Begin by serving neighbours and relatives exceptionally well so that satisfied customers would spread the word, while those in manufacturing should prioritise quality, attractive packaging and marketing, including giving free samples so that good products would advertise themselves.”
The Deputy Minister added that graduates intending to venture into self-employment could access support from Government institutions such as start-up loans through EmpowerBank and the
Women’s Bank.
He also encouraged them to continue upgrading their skills through further training, peer learning and online courses.
“The certificates being awarded are not for decoration but evidence that you are now a different person. Your behaviour must also change,”
He urged them to abandon a dependency mindset and play their part in building the country under the philosophy “ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo.”
Brig-Gen (Rtd) Mayihlome said the programme was part of efforts to ensure no community is left behind in the national development drive, citing a recent safety-in-mining course aimed at contributing to the formalisation of the mining sector.
However, he expressed concern over low attendance in some wards despite training being offered for free. He also condemned unruly behaviour by some participants, saying it was inconsistent with the Ubuntu values associated with Umzingwane.
A total of 105 men, women and youths graduated on May 31 at Swazi High School after completing various personal skills courses.
The legislator thanked Tonganyika Trust trainers, the constituency office and Esikhoveni Public Service Training Centre for their contribution, saying the partnership demonstrated the importance of communities, Government and development partners working together to improve livelihoods.
