SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT MEC MAZIBUKO URGES YOUTH TO GRAB SKILLS TRAINING

By Lawrence Mashabela.

•⁠ ⁠The Gauteng Department of Social Development took the Bakae Campaign to Ratanda in the southern-most reaches of the province.
•⁠ ⁠The Bakae Campaign follows up on those who have completed treatment for substance use and are now in secondary or aftercare programmes.
•⁠ ⁠These programmes provide skills such as welding, plumbing, sewing, baking, and computer literacy.

Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, has encouraged substance users to maintain their sobriety and focus on acquiring skills that will transform their futures.

Speaking at the Bakae Campaign at the Ratanda Extension 3 sports ground on 5 September 2025, the MEC emphasised that young people must be ready to seize opportunities presented through the provincial government’s Nasi iSpani programme.

“As the Department of Social Development, we are partnering with various non-profit organisations to provide technical skills such as electrical work and plumbing, ensuring that young people become employable and avoid relapsing into drugs,” said Mazibuko.

She highlighted that the Gauteng government is committed to empowering young people, especially those who have overcome substance abuse, so they can contribute meaningfully to service delivery.

“We want you to be the solution when maintenance is needed in government buildings and facilities. You must be the ones fixing potholes on our roads. We don’t want to rely on contractors who overcharge while our youth remain unemployed,” she added.

The Bakae Campaign follows up on substance users who have completed treatment and are now in secondary or aftercare programmes, such as halfway houses. These initiatives equip them with skills including welding, plumbing, sewing, baking, and computer literacy.

One of the participants, 29-year-old Emanuel Moshoeshoe, who recently completed treatment at the Freedom Recovery Centre, expressed his gratitude. “I am so excited and looking forward to the welding programme. I want to learn more technical skills to improve my chances of being employed – or even start my own business.”

Social worker Tiisetso Lebea, from the Freedom Recovery Centre, praised the Bakae Campaign, noting that it highlights the department’s ongoing work with service users.

“We are excited that our principals can see first-hand the progress beneficiaries are making after treatment, and how skills training is helping them rebuild their lives,” Lebea said.

The Bakae Campaign continues to demonstrate the government’s commitment to sustainable recovery and empowering youth with the tools to secure a brighter future.