​Koketso Maraba
 
The hall was filled with joy, pride, and applause as 923 young graduates gathered to celebrate the completion of their skilling programmes in Project Management, End User Computing, Business Analysis, Personal Hygiene, and more.
On Wednesday, 23 July 2025, MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko joined the celebration of this significant milestone at the Brixton Multi-purpose Centre. This event highlighted the province's commitment to youth development through skills training and education.
Out of the 923 graduates, 789 of them came through the Gauteng Department of Health's (GDoH) Expanded Public Works Programme, while 34 are from the Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and 100 are from the City of Johannesburg.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasised that the importance of the initiative is to equip young people with job-ready skills.
"As we celebrate your achievement, let us remember that this is just the beginning of your journey. You are equipped with skills that will allow you to overcome barriers, seize opportunities, and create a brighter future for yourselves and your communities," she said to a hall full of joyful and hopeful graduates.
The Gauteng Provincial Government programmes such as Nasi Ispani, the Massive Re-skilling Programme, and iCrush ne Lova play central roles in bridging the skills gap and creating lasting employment opportunities. These initiatives are strengthened by partnerships with accredited training institutions, including TVET Colleges and Liberty College of Excellence.
Graduate Zibuyisile Made from Stretford Community Health Centre expressed her deep gratitude by thanking the GDoH for the opportunity. 
"I would like to thank the Department and the MEC for this opportunity and all our mentors. You have shown us patience, devotion, and knowledge throughout our learning journey," she said.
Simon Moloantoa, who works as an administration clerk at Kromdraai Clinic, said the course will help him transform his work. "I am grateful for the skills I acquired through the programme because this will help me enhance my work, and it may play a part in getting promotions."
Recent data indicates that, although the national youth unemployment rate has decreased from 45.5% to 44.6%, Gauteng's young population remains in a precarious situation. Youth unemployment rates were recorded at 63.9% for those aged 15 to 24 and 42.1% for those aged 25 to 34. These figures highlight the urgent need for initiatives like the Gauteng's skilling programmes to improve employment prospects for the youth in the province.
The graduation ceremony not only marked the accomplishments of 923 individuals but also demonstrated Gauteng's ongoing investment in its youth, showcasing a shared vision of building a hopeful, skilled generation ready to contribute to a more prosperous future for all.