​On Thursday, 08 June 2023, the Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Mbali Hlophe officially opened the expanded state-of-the-art Trade Test Centre in Xilembeni Centre of Excellence for the youth of Gauteng.
The centre will equip young people with technical skill that will see them becoming qualified artisans.
This facility is meant to create economic opportunities for the youth by equipping especially ex-convict, beneficiaries of the department's homeless program and youth recovering from substance abuse with skills to survive beyond their treatment programme. The Business Hub comprises of five (5) cooperatives specialising in Poultry farming, welding, carpentry, electrical engineering and plumbing.
Speaking at the official opening in Bapsfontein MEC Hlophe expressed excitement about the progress that Xilembeni is making in upskilling many young people including those who are recovering from substance abuse.
She said government intends to open as many opportunities as possible for young people who are eager to work harder to change their narrative of hopelessness.
"We really want to work with you especially those who are recovering from substance abuse and ex-convicts.
"As government, the work we do must be developmental, hence we are saying to individuals that are fit, individuals who are willing to change their lives for the better, we must be able to open up as many opportunities for you to do so because what we cannot afford to have is young people who will sit at the street corners watching the sun rise and set.
Our work as government is to ensure that opportunities are created for young people to be economically active so that they can contribute positively toward the main stream economy", said Hlophe.
MEC sang praises to the facility and the work done and she reiterated that as government they wish to expand even further to accommodate more young people.
"We are happy for the work the centre does and progress by beneficiries, we are proud of the skills that you are acquiring. Our wish is that it magnifies on the footprint that you are currently having and our department and various other department must come on board to assist", she added.
The MEC also handed over start-up equipments to cooperatives as part of the incubation hub.
One beneficiary, Noluvuyo Lata (33) from Daveyton said Xilembeni Projects has changed the negative perception that people had about her since she is an ex-convict. She said the centre made a huge difference in her life by providing skill that can open many doors for progress. Noluvuyo Lata has received skills as an electrician.
"Sometimes when you are from prison people think that there is nothing good that can come out of you because of that stigma but I am standing here today as a qualified artisan", said Lata
The founder of Xilembeni, Nomasonto Zitha, said the learners at the centre are doing exceptional work and she is optimistic that the centre is now ready to can supply their products to the market.