Centre for technical development launched
Neco Bokwe
The Eastern Cape Department of Transport has joined forces with South African heavy equipment manufacturing company Bell Equipment, as part of a commitment to community upliftment.
Together they launched a Centre for Technical Development in Graaff-Reinet on Tuesday 16 April with the aim to arm young people with technical skills that will not only make it easier for them to get employment but will also see them becoming job creators themselves.
The MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha, was among the dignitaries attending the launch. Nqatha described the centre as a groundbreaking initiative that is set to equip the young people in the Karoo town, the Sarah Baartman District and the entire province, with much-needed skills.
"We are very pleased to be a part of this great initiative. We are very proud to hear the testimonies of the young people who are already benefitting in this programme. We believe that this will go a long way in improving the quality of services our government delivers unto the people, especially on road infrastructure," said Nqatha.
Also present was DBNLM Acting Mayor Eunice Khunjuzwa Kekana, who applauded the department for bringing this kind of an economic development to Graaff-Reinet.
The Department of Public Works, EPWP, Union High, the Spandau, Aberdeen and Nqweba secondary schools, and TVET College East Cape Midland were also represented at the important event.
Director of fleet services at Eastern Cape Department of Transport, Thembile Matrose, said that Graaff-Reinet Centre is the best workshop in the province. He praised the centre for the condition of the facilities and for their goal to revive the economy of the area.