WEDNESDAY, 3 JUNE 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Acting Chief Executive Officer, Melissa Erra, will address the National Skills Fund (NSF) and The Foschini Group (TFG) Graduation Ceremony in Epping, Cape Town.
The graduation ceremony forms part of the NSF’s R177 million investment in skills development and youth employability through its strategic partnership with The Foschini Group. The project, which commenced in November 2023 and concludes in July 2027, is aimed at strengthening South Africa’s manufacturing sector through skills development, workplace training and sustainable employment opportunities for young people.
The initiative is expected to benefit 4 035 youth across the Western Cape, Gauteng, Gqheberha and KwaZulu-Natal through learnerships, apprenticeships, work-integrated learning and targeted skills programmes.
The project has already delivered significant employment outcomes, with TFG permanently absorbing 398 beneficiaries into its operations across the four regions where the programme is being implemented. This is in line with the agreement requiring TFG to place at least 55% of successful graduates into full-time employment. The direct permanent absorption referred to above is a demonstration and commitment to ensuring that skills development initiatives translate into meaningful and sustainable economic opportunities for young people.
The Epping graduation ceremony will celebrate 124 graduates who have successfully completed their training programmes under the NSF-funded TFG initiative and have taken an important step towards long-term employment and career development in the manufacturing and retail sectors. The event will also serve as a testament to the impact of strategic partnerships between government and industry in addressing youth unemployment, building critical skills and supporting inclusive economic growth.
Members of the media are invited to attend.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, 05 June 2026
Time: 13:00
Venue: TFG Manufacturing Facility, Epping, Western Cape
For media enquiries, please contact:
Mr William Somo
PR and Communications Manager: National Skills Fund
Mobile: 083 418 2536
Ends!
Enquiries:
ISSUED BY NATIONAL SKILLS FUND: PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATION UNIT
