The Midvaal Local Municipality together with the the Oliphant Institute of Leadership and the North West University have embarked on the Midvaal Youth Leadership Programme last year and can boast with a success rate of 65 percent.
Of the 80 students who embarked on training last year 52 competed their courses successfully.
“South Africa is in desperate need for leaders. This programme is custom made to produce leaders of substance. The opportunity have been created for you now. Do not disappoint us it is up to you to deliver now,” said MMC of housing and local economic development Bongani Baloyi.
”The unemployment rate in South Africa is regrettable and of the 26 percent jobless 60 percent is young people. The leadership programme was launched in response to the challenge of youth unemployment in our country. The three alliance partnership is seeking to create an opportunity for establishing future leaders and entrepreneurs who will make a valuable contribution to their society,” said Reverend John Maluma, from the Northwest University.
All Midvaal youths who completed a grade 12 or equivalent qualification in the last three years were called upon to be part of this life changing programme. A total of 80 candidates made the final cut to be the second intake of the programme.
“The South African Economy simply does not create enough opportunities for our youth. For 400 000 learners matriculating there is only 150 000 jobs available from people retiring per year. The time has come for young people to take responsibility for their own lives. The only way to initiate change is for them to create economic opportunities for themselves. This is one of the program’s main objectives,” said the Executive Mayor of Midvaal, Timothy Nast.
“The leadership program is meant to give our young people hope. It is the intention of the program to give them the skills to function in the main stream economy effectively. As previously noted we are in need of leaders with high ethical and moral values who can steer our country to a stable and prosperous future. We are very grateful for this partnership with Midvaal and the University. Together we are bettering the future,” said Dr. Molefi Opliphant, from the Oliphant Institute of Leadership.
The training during the program will focus on life skills, starting your own business, computer skills, leadership skills, supporting communities with HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment as well as community leadership. The leadership program will run for a period of 12 months for at the North West University’s Vaal Campus. The university has endorsed the programme and issued certificates to the students who completed the program. Funding for the training was provided by theMidvaal Local Municipality and various sponsors.