MEC DANTJIE AWARDS SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATES TO DEELPAN YOUTH 

By James Moche

• Fifty young people from Deelpan village in Tswaing local municipality have gained significant employment prospects following their completion of accredited training in security services, funded by the North West Department of Social Development. 
• In addition, unemployed youth were equipped with driving licences as part of a broader youth development programme.
• The graduation ceremony, attended by North West MEC for Social Development Basetsana Sussana Dantjie, highlighted the department’s commitment to offering developmental initiatives beyond traditional aid, such as food parcels, with the aim of creating sustainable job opportunities for young people across the province.

The prospects of a bright future have drastically increased for 50 young people from Deelpan village in Tswaing Local Municipality following their extensive training in security services, accredited by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA). Other unemployed youth have also received driving licences as part of a youth development programme funded by the North West Department of Social Development.

Presiding over the youth’s graduation ceremony, North West MEC for Social Development Basetsana Sussana Dantjie stated that the occasion demonstrated that, contrary to popular belief, her department is not solely focused on providing food parcels. Instead, it offers a variety of developmental programmes that are transforming the lives of community members across the province.

Dantjie explained that the training would help create job opportunities, allowing participants to improve their lives and those of their families. “Our work as government is to touch lives,” she said. “We have done sterling work here in Deelpan, and we will continue to do the same in other areas of the province. Congratulations to you all. Do not be choosy. Grab any job opportunity that comes your way; it will help you gain valuable experience in the workplace.” She added that the youth should not only look to the government for employment but also approach private companies for opportunities.

One of the beneficiaries, Bakang Diseko (29), who lives in a household with no employment and a disabled father, expressed pride in having completed the training. As a breadwinner, he is optimistic that he will find work.

Tshepang Sebati, another beneficiary from a disadvantaged background, commented: “This is what we have always wanted. Without the Department of Social Development, we would not have valid security certificates or driving licences today.”