By NewsSA Correspondent:
The Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works (DRPW), in partnership with the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA), has officially launched a 12-month Tyre and Suspension Learnership Programme at the Teachers Training Centre in Kimberley. This youth development initiative will benefit 100 unemployed young people from across the Northern Cape Province, with 20 participants selected from each district. The programme is designed to build technical competence through the Tyre Repair and Maintenance Level 2 and Suspension Sub-Assembler NQF Level 3 skills programs.
The first cohort, comprising 14 males and 6 females from the Frances Baard District, attended the launch, where the Head of Department, Dr. Steven Jonkers, encouraged them with a message of motivation and accountability. “This is a golden opportunity. Make the best of it. The future is in your hands. As a government, we are committed to transforming the lives of unemployed youth,” he said. Their program will be rolled out to the other Districts of the province.
Participants will receive a monthly stipend for the duration of the accredited program, which consists of 30% classroom learning and 70% practical training. Practical components will take place at the various departmental workshops and at selected private tyre-repair companies.
This learnership represents a significant investment in youth empowerment and skills development at a time when the province continues to confront high levels of youth unemployment.
The participants are to become entrepreneurs and set up their own businesses after completion
The MEC of the Department, Ms Fufe Makatong states that the Provincial Government is committed to the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP), prioritising job creation, improving the livelihood of communities and working with partners from the private sector. “This initiative will ensure that the participants become entrepreneurs and set up their own businesses after completing the program,” Makatong said.
The outcome of the programme will enable the learners to inspect and service tyres, perform wheel balancing, puncture repairs, mounting, demounting, under carriage suspension diagnosis, suspension repair and replacement, conduct steering geometry on the brakes and batteries, to name but a few skills. The Tyre and Suspension Learnership Programme provides vital, market-relevant skills in tyre and suspension maintenance, areas aligned with industry needs in vehicle maintenance, fleet services, logistics and transport.
By combining theoretical learning with hands-on experience, the programme equips participants to transition effectively into the workforce. The stipend offered further removes financial barriers to participation, ensuring that even the most economically disadvantaged young people can access training and development opportunities.
Importantly, this province-wide initiative promotes inclusive economic growth by extending opportunities across all districts, thereby reducing regional disparities and ensuring that youth from rural and township areas are not left behind.
As DRPW, we reaffirm our commitment to youth development, economic inclusion and the creation of sustainable pathways to employment. Through strategic partnerships – including our ongoing collaboration with merSETA and private-sector tyre service companies- we will continue to implement programs that equip young people with the skills needed to participate meaningfully in the economy of the province. – @NewsSA_Online
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