Transformative training leads to graduation for eThekwini artisans

Proud graduates were thrilled to graduate from the eThekwini Municipality Academy with qualifications as artisans.

In a celebration of perseverance and skills transformation, eThekwini Municipality hosted the graduation ceremony of over 50 young artisans, who successfully completed a three-year artisan development programme. The ceremony, held at the Pinetown Civic Centre, Durban, marked a significant milestone in the city’s goal to bridge the skills gap and tackle youth unemployment in eThekwini.

The artisan programme, launched in 2022, was designed to equip unemployed youth with critical technical skills in trades such as plumbing, electrical work, welding, bricklaying, motor mechanics and more, said eThekwini Municipality communication spokesperson, Vukani Mbhele.

“Through a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and workplace exposure, the programme has produced qualified artisans ready to contribute to the local economy,” said Mr Mbhele.

Chairperson of the Governance and Human Capital Committee, Councillor Nkosenhle Madlala, praised the graduates for their resilience and dedication.

“The graduation should be a launchpad for the graduates to enter the workforce and propel them into a future of self-reliance,” he said.

“This graduation is a celebration of your futures, of your dreams being realised and employment being created.”

The ceremony was attended by officials from the Durban University of Technology (DUT), industry partners, training providers, and the proud families of the graduates. There were also various companies and employment agencies in attendance, which presented their employment opportunities and services available to help absorb the graduates into the world of work.

One graduate shared her emotional testimony about her journey, highlighting how the programme transformed her life and opened doors for employment and entrepreneurship. Hlengiwe Dlamini, expressed her appreciation to the municipality for presenting her with this opportunity.

“I joined the programme unemployed, but through the skills and knowledge I have acquired, I am now joining the workforce as a qualified professional facilitator at a reputable company,” she said.

The municipality will continue to roll out this successful programme, with plans to enrol a new cohort later this year in trades aligned with future industry demands.