In March 2024, the National Skills Fund (NSF) participated in the district development model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo in Nkangala District Municipality, Mpumalanga.
President Cyril Ramaphosa led the government’s interaction with communities and stakeholders. The DDM showcased the efforts of the NSF and like-minded organisations in addressing Mpumalanga’s skills gap.
The NSF also used imbizo to share information on its skills development programmes and initiatives, including bursaries and international scholarships.
The fund also reached community members who may not have had access to such information, which aligned with the DDM’s theme of leaving no one behind.
Imbizo attendees and exhibitors appreciated the NSF’s dedication to youth empowerment. They praised the fund’s programmes and recognised its role in equipping young people with the necessary skills for success in a competitive job market and contributing to improving the youth employment rate.
Mbatsane Thembalethu, an exhibitor from Nkangala TVET College, emphasised the significance of NSF funding in supporting learners’ educational journeys.
Sphe Matomela, an exhibitor from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), highlighted the pivotal role played by the NSF and its partners, particularly in remote areas like Mpumalanga, where access to skills training is vital for community development.
The gathering was attended by government institutions from across the country, who converged with a common goal to serve the people.
Representatives from various sectors, including government departments, industry experts, and community members, were among the stakeholders. Notable organisations in attendance included the Nkangala TVET College, University of South Africa, National Research Foundation, and National Student Financial Aid Scheme.
The NSF’s interventions in the Nkangala District Municipality, supported by various partners, address skills development challenges by funding learners across multiple initiatives, such as engineering, early childhood development, and technician training. Projects that span from 2022 to 2026 aim to bridge the skills gap and foster economic growth in Mpumalanga.
Picture: NSF official Cynthia Modiba engages with a community member at the Presidential Imbizo in Mpumalanga
By Isaiah Makhwanya, National Skills Fund graduate intern
