Lentswe, Klerksdorp - In a watershed occasion on Tuesday February 25, the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District was the first district municipality in North West to hold the Induction of the Civil Society Forum Leaders for the 2024/25 financial year. “We have finally won the battle to ensure that our communities receive skills development and training, in order to re-skill and re-position our District as we forge forward to stimulate our economy”.
The District municipality in partnership with the Depart-ment of Employment and Labour UIF, will be rolling out training and skills development for 1000 people in the sectors of Construction, Biometric Security, Electricity, and Plumbing. During the Induction workshop, Executive Mayor Nikiwe Num announced that the Municipality will allocate 288 positions for Civil society members, to be part of the all-important skills development programme.
The programme will start in April 2025 and will run for a minimum period of 10 months, whilst the participants will receive a monthly stipend of R2 000 per month. On completion of the programme, participants will receive accredited certification, others will be absorbed into various government institutions, and others will be able to start their own businesses and/or partnerships.
The Civil society forum is made up of sixteen sectors operating in communities, these members include but not limited to the Disability sector, People living with HIV/AIDS, Sex workers, LGBTQI+, and Community safety forums. In his presentation, Lebowa Malaka from the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) said, “I’m humbled by the positive gesture by the District Municipality, we wish that the whole country could follow this trend”.
Philis Moleleki from SALGA encouraged Government departments and particularly Local municipalities to strengthen their support and understanding of Civil Society Forum programmes and policies. In his closing remarks Pastor Neo Moepi from the NW Office of the Premier- HIV/Aids Council unit thanked all that attended the full day induction programme, and urged members to continue the advocacy work. The next CSF meeting will be held on March 5.
For more information, community members can contact the District office of the Premier on 018 464 3901 or Dr KK District Municipality on 018 406 7000.
