DEPUTY MINISTER AND MTN SA FOUNDATION TO HOST YOUTH’S CEREMONY IN IDLEBE

• Fifteen young graduates complete NQF level 3 computer skills modules in eDlebe, Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal, on Feb 23, 2024, through a partnership with Dr. Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, Deputy Minister of Social Development, and MTN SA Foundation.

• This effort underscores the commitment to bridge the digital gap for rural youth, exemplified by the inauguration of a multimedia centre in November 2022, funded by MTN SA Foundation, at IDlebe Community Care Centre.

• With youth unemployment high, the qualification equips graduates for job applications and career advancement. The event also sees the NDA support Mfekazi Early Childhood Development Centre and certify local cooperatives in Governance and Compliance.

Fifteen young individuals will graduate upon finishing accredited modules in fundamental personal computer skills accredited at NQF level 3 in eDlebe, Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal province on Friday, 23rd February 2024.

This initiative is a partnership with the deputy minister of social development, Dr Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, and the MTN SA Foundation.

This aligns with the commitment to narrow the digital gap for youth in rural communities. In November 2022, the deputy minister inaugurated a fully accessible twenty-seater multimedia centre with data, sponsored by the MTN SA Foundation, at IDlebe Community Care Centre, marking a significant step forward.

Given the high levels of youth unemployment as reported by StatsSA in quarter three, this qualification will aid young individuals in pursuing job opportunities and enhancing their career prospects through the attained skills. The training has equipped the youth to navigate personal computers, engage in electronic data interchange, and produce proficient documents along with numerical and financial reports.

The graduation is in line with the National Youth Policy (2020-2030) which is a cross-sectoral policy aimed at producing positive youth development outcomes in the country. 

During the event, the National Development Agency (NDA), a departmental agency, will present a cheque worth R61,157 to Mfekazi Early Childhood Development Centre to support their educational equipment needs. Additionally, cooperatives from the region, trained in Governance and Compliance, will receive their certification.

The NDA enhances the capacities of civil society organisations (CSOs) operating within poor communities. This, in turn, serves to benefit economically disadvantaged communities, as they depend on CSOs to expedite development initiatives and improve service delivery.