The National Skills Fund (NSF) is diligently working in support of the Department of Higher Education and Training’s goal to produce more artisans and skill unemployed youth.
A visit by the NSF to Mthentana Training in Pinetown in September 2023 provided a first-hand opportunity to witness the positive impact of the NSF Artisan Skills Development Programmes.
Methentana Trading provides training and education to help unemployed and unskilled youth acquire skills and create employment opportunities in Jacobs, Pinetown in KwaZulu-Natal.
Mthentana Trading was approved by the NSF funding of R19 million for three years from 30 June 2022 to 31 October 2025, for five programmes —bricklaying, electrical, mechanical fitting, millwright and plumbing. The funding has granted 85 beneficiaries an opportunity to pursue their studies in one of these trades.
Mthentana Trading managing director Linda Mtembu said: “The programmes have a positive impact on the students, as they have been exposed to the industry.”
He noted that Jacobs, in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, is a crime-stricken community battling drug abuse and crime, like most communities in the country. This opportunity given to these beneficiaries saves them from despair and offers a path to a better future.
For most beneficiaries, the short-term goal is to obtain their trade certification and gain employment and more experience. Their long-term goal is to venture into entrepreneurship, and create job opportunities in their respective fields and improve their socio-economic livelihoods in their communities.
For instance, Nhlonipho Phungolo, from Amanzimtoti, is excited about her journey and future beyond completion.
“After completing training, I would like to obtain my trade test, gain more experience in mechanical fitting, and then start my mechanical fitting company,” said Phungolo.
The impact of the NSF-funded artisan programme is evident not just in the successful job placements but in the work placements secured with renowned companies such as Tiger Brands. These opportunities enable learners to gain valuable hands-on experience.
The profound impact of the NSF is evident through its unwavering commitment to funding and supporting vital initiatives like artisan programmes. Collaborative efforts with implementing partners like Mthentana Trading illustrate the fund’s dedication to equipping young people with essential skills and fostering prospective entrepreneurs.
Mthentana Trading is one of 65 private companies approved funding to implement the NSF Artisan Skills Development Programme.
All beneficiaries are under 35 years, split into various cohorts. One (1) intake for each trade – electrical, mechanical fitting and millwright – is made up of twenty (20) beneficiaries per trade. For bricklaying, fifteen (15) beneficiaries have been enrolled. Ten (10) beneficiaries have enrolled for plumbing, and there is one (1) intake for the combined bricklaying and plumbing trade.
Picture: Bricklaying trade beneficiaries showcasing their bricklaying skills at the Jacobs workshop in Pinetown By Lemogang Semela, a graduate intern at the National Skills Fund
