IN an effort to tackle unemployment and help improve quality learning and development, the Coega Development Corporation (Coega) has trained 72 unemployed young people from the community of Motherwell and the surrounding communities of Gqeberha.
This initiative focused on providing training to unemployed youth, particularly from underprivileged backgrounds, and aimed to prepare them for potential employment opportunities. Through its Skills Development Centre, Coega is taking bold steps to confront the urgent challenge of youth unemployment by offering essential skills training.
Nontandazo Makwetu, unit head of recruitment and placement for Coega Human Capital Solutions, said: “Today marks a proud moment as we celebrate the achievements of Motherwell’s youth who have completed our training programme. In this significant move towards empowerment, the organisation is proud to announce the successful training of these young participants from Motherwell and nearby communities of Nelson Mandela Bay.”
In total, 72 unemployed young people from Motherwell received non-accredited short course training on welding, mechanical, painting, joinery woodworking, basic electrical and plumbing.”
This programme, led by the Coega Skills Development Centre, is a step toward equipping youth with the tools they need for a successful future.
A beneficiary of the programme expressed how the opportunity has impacted his aspirations in life. Lolwetu Bavuma, who resides in Motherwell Ward 26 said: “I enjoyed the training, and our facilitator ensured that we understood the work. We appreciate Coega for the opportunity and we remain hopeful that this will open doors for the youth in Motherwell.”
Another beneficiary, Oyisa Jacobs, who resides in Motherwell Ward 23 expressed that the programme motivated her to study further and potentially consider entrepreneurship in the future. She said: “I am happy to have earned my certificate in Joinery. In the long run, I hope to build on this by enrolling in more courses, securing stable employment, or even starting my own business.”
Ward 59 Councillor and coordinator of the Alex Matikinca Councillors Cluster, Bulelani Mathenjwa, emphasised the importance of partnerships. “A key part of our work involves collaborating with entities like Coega to create opportunities for our residents. Recognition by organisations like Coega also enhances our community’s visibility and credibility, making it easier to attract further funding and partnerships,” said Mathenjwa.
He concluded by describing these training programmes as truly transformative, equipping residents with practical skills and opening doors to employment opportunities, ultimately improving livelihoods.
Other Coega skills development initiatives include:
- Learnership Programmes: These are accredited unit standard based full qualifications and Coega currently offers the following: merSETA accredited courses (Accreditation Number: [17-QA/ACC/1039/14)
- National Certificate: Welding Application and Practice NQF L 2-4
- National Certificate: Engineering Fabrication NQF L2-4
- CETA Accredited (Accreditation Number: [2R23586)
- National Certificate: Community House Building
- National Certificate: Building Construction and Civil
- TETA Accredited (Accreditation Number: TETA15-555)
- National Certificate: Professional Driver NQF L 3
- National Certificate: Professional Driver NQF L 3
- Apprenticeships: Under NAMB /QCTO Accreditation Number: SDP 1222/16/002. An apprenticeship is a system of “learning by doing” that combines institutional and on-the-job training. The system uses Competency Based Modular Training (CBMT). Apprenticeships are generally three years’ duration and culminate in a trade test. Coega currently holds accreditation on the following under this learning pathway: Painting and Decorating, Joinery and Wood Machining, Plumbing, Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plasterer, Painter, Millwright.
- National Occupational Certificates: Under QCTO Accreditation Number QCTO/SDP 1222/18/00255. A National Occupational Certificate is a three-year credit-bearing learning pathway comprised of knowledge, practical and work-integrated learning components. Under this learning pathway, Coega currently holds valid accreditation for Fitting and Turning, Welding, Electrical, Millwright, Plumbing, Bricklaying and Carpentry.
