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South Africa, Free State: Premier of the Free State province, Honourable Mxolisi Dukwana, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Education and Training Authority (MerSETA).
The signing of the MoU at the Free State Skills Development programme, which took place at the University of the Free State, South Campus, in Bloemfontein, yesterday, 17 April 2023.
Premier Dukwana, when delivering the State of the Province in February, said the government’s partnership with different SETAs had borne incredible results. Premier Dukwana further committed that a skills development conference will be held later in the year.
Said Premier Dukwana during SOPA: “Our work with the SETAs have led to the provision of 4,389 internships, leadership and apprenticeship opportunities for young people since 2019. We will convene a provincial Skills Development Conference with all the SETAs during August to enhance our initiatives to maximize our skills development programmes.”
While addressing students earlier yesterday, Premier Dukwana said young people must be supported. On the same token, the Premier appealed to the students to steer clear of destructive elements.
“The youth must be encouraged to use their talents to the optimal level. However, many of them are drowning in alcohol, and that negatively affects their growth. If the youth are the future, our thinking must change. We must have a serious discussion about where we want to take this country,” said Premier Dukwana.
With today’s programme, the Free State Provincial Government has taken the first and giant step in addressing the challenges, particularly skills shortage, confronting the province. MerSETA has pledged R300 million towards student debt which will assist approximately 1,500 students will.