BOOST TO JOB CREATION AS STUDENTS GRADUATE FROM KZN YOUTH ACADEMIES

By Thuba Vilane and Sifiso Xulu

• Youth academies in KwaZulu-Natal are providing students with essential skills to enhance their employability and encourage some on their entrepreneurial journey.
• A group of 110 students from the Vuma Youth Academy and the Esicabazini Youth Development Academy graduated on 1 December 2025.
• Celebrating with the graduates, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for social development, Mbali Shinga, congratulated the students on acquiring skills to change the trajectory of their lives, families, and communities.

One hundred and ten youths from disadvantaged communities around KwaZulu-Natal have graduated with invaluable life skills at a ceremony held at the Vuma Youth Development Academy.

Of the 110 graduates, 60 male students were enrolled at the Vuma Youth Academy, and 50 female students attended the Esicabazini Youth Development Academy.

Their graduation in Eshowe was celebrated by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development, led by MEC Mbali Shinga, on 1 December 2025.

In her keynote address, MEC Shinga praised the graduates for successfully completing their programmes and urged them to steer clear of negative influences.

“Today marks not just a graduation, but a new beginning. You have worked hard, and now you carry skills that can change the trajectory of your lives, your families, and your communities,” said MEC Shinga.

She encouraged the young people to stay focused and committed to building a better future.

“Do not allow social ills or negative influences to derail your progress. You have proven that you can rise above difficult circumstances, continue choosing the path of growth, responsibility, and purpose,” she added.

So far, the youth academies have seen a total of 1 446 students – 680 males and 766 females – graduate since the inception of the programme almost 13 years ago.

In the latest graduation, 110 students earned certificates in fields such as hospitality, plumbing, and the building of community houses.

In addition, they received training in end-user computing, business management from the National Youth Development Agency and even gained their driver’s licenses.

This skills programme is contributing significantly to the department’s goal of fostering a self-reliant society. By enhancing employability and encouraging entrepreneurship among the youth, the programme aims to nurture responsible citizens within KwaZulu-Natal communities.

“Our goal is to empower a generation that does not wait for opportunities but creates them. These academies are providing young people with the tools to become economically active and to build sustainable livelihoods.” MEC Shinga emphasised.

In addition, all beneficiaries received start-up business kits to begin their own ventures in the vocational fields they were trained in, marking a major boost in job creation.

The initiative reflects the Department of Social Development’s commitment to fighting poverty head-on and investing in youth development across the province.