Phetoho Maja
​On Monday, 19 August 2024, the Gauteng Department of Social Development hosted a skills development information drive to assist hundreds of young people in Tsakane, Eastern Corridor to access employment and other economic opportunities.

This initiative was in response to the upcoming Presidential Imbizo to address issues affecting the community of Kwa-Thema, Tsakane and Duduza, which include youth unemployment.

Amongst the stakeholders that heeded the call was the Department of Employment and Labour, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), City of Ekurhuleni Municipality, and funded non-profit organisations such as Ubuntu Youth Development, Duduza Development Centre, MLT Institute, Siyabonga Africa, and Thabang Xaba Foundation to offer various skills development programmes to the youth.

Speaking at Tsakane Mall, Acting Director for Stakeholder Relations, Khosi Radebe said the information drive was part of government’s efforts to empower communities with information so that they can drive their own development.

“We are hosting a series of events as build-up activities to the Presidential Imbizo which will take place at Tsakane Stadium on Friday. Today, the youth have brough their CVs and we are happy that the Department of Employment and Labour is here to assist.”

“Tomorrow (20 August 2024), we will be hosting a Women’s Month event at Duduza Resource Centre to also empower women with opportunities. Then our last event will be on Wednesday (21 August 2024) where we will visit identified drug hotspots in KwaTsaDuza, and we hope to make referrals for substance abuse rehabilitation,” said Radebe.

She added, “As the Department, we brought all our stakeholders to assist the community with their needs. So, the purpose is to bring government services closer to the people, and we hope they take full advantage.”