Fifty informal traders affiliated with the United Khula Informal Traders Association (UKITA) graduated in November 2021 from a two-year skills development programme sponsored by the National Skills Fund (NSF) and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
The programme aimed to equip informal traders with skills to help them run their businesses more efficiently.
NSF Regional Director Lindiwe Okuofu says UKITA approached the NSF through DHET in 2019 to help Western Cape informal traders, in particular from Khayelitsha, with skills development.
“We’re here today because you’ve made it this far. As UKITA, we take pride in playing a role in improving your lives. Unfortunately, we experience a lack of commitment from the people enrolled on these programmes. The government always avails recourses, but despite it not being easy, people need to commit themselves from the start to the end,” she explains.
She adds that NSF is very proud of the graduates and their progress. It was not easy to start the programme in 2019 with UKITA, but the organisation wants you to succeed in your business now that you have the necessary skills.
The 40 graduates who had attended the graduation ceremony were involved in sewing, meat braaiing and welding.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating informal traders, Thuliswa Lusapho-January-Tshofela from Khayelitsha says they were grateful to UKITA and DHET for the opportunity to expand their business and learn new skills.
“Many fellow traders started informal trading as a lifestyle, and not as an alternative to unemployment.”
She says she learnt about UKITA as a street vendor when she sold R5 earrings and sewed clothes by hand and with a sewing machine.
“My passion for fashion and interest in beauty therapy motivated me to get more training. We’re grateful to UKITA and the department for putting its faith in us. You encouraged us to attend classes and learn more. It was not easy because some of us are old, have family commitments or run our daily businesses. So today is a huge achievement and an eye-opener to us,” she explains.
The flamboyant graduate explained that she benefited by at least R18 000 through the programme, which she will use to advance her sewing business.
“Opportunities where we receive a stipend while studying are very rare. So, when such chances are offered to us, we should grab them as they equip us with skills to make sound business choices,” she says.
The UKITA chairperson Thozama Gwente explains that informal traders make up a large percentage of township businesses, but many fail due to a lack of knowledge and skills.
She says the association aims to encourage its traders to enrol and complete learning programmes.
“With the help of the NSF through DHET, our informal trader’s skills have improved and will contribute positively to the township economy. We are forever indebted to you for entrusting us with the programme,” ends Gwente.
Picture: New venture creation graduates made possible by NSF support
By Zizi Hlungulu, NSF graduate intern (2021 – 2023)
