City launches youth driver’s licence project

In an effort to get young people working, the eThekwini Municipality has started up the Youth Driver’s Licence Programme. This initiative encourages unemployed youth to apply to the programme, which will help them get their licence at no cost.

The programme will benefit 142 successful applicants in the pilot phase of this project. This means that hundreds of eThekwini youth will soon be more employable through being equipped with driving skills and a driver’s licence. This follows the launch of city’s first Youth Driver’s Licence Programme, said eThekwini Municipality Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda.

The programme is being made available to young people aged between 18 and 35 and who will be helped to get their licence at no cost to them, Mr Kaunda added.

“In today’s job market, most job applications require that applicants have a driver’s licence. This requirement can be expensive for the unemployed youth who often cannot afford to get driver’s licences. This programme is free, and we urge the youth to apply for it,” he said.

Applicants must be in possession of a matric certificate or an NQF level 4 qualification, a South African identity document, proof of residence and proof of unemployment from the Department of Labour.

“The interested applicants must be South African citizens, be unemployed and not participating in any training or be part of any educational institution. Those who have benefited from any other municipal programmes need not apply as applicants will be put through a rigorous screening process,” said Mr Kaunda.

Applications are currently open and close on Friday October 20. For enquiries, interested parties can call Nokuthula Hlophe on 031 322 9836 and Khuseka Majikijela on 031 322 9838. Applications can be done through the city’s online portal on www.durban.gov.za applicants must ensure they meet the requirements.