​The Gauteng
Department of Social Development MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza has encouraged the
youth, especially social grant recipients‚ victims of gender-based violence and
those exiting substance abuse treatment centres to look beyond welfare.
Mayathula-Khoza was speaking during a
Welfare-to-Work graduation where 316 beneficiaries graduated with accredited
industry certificates at Apollo Hotel in Randburg, Johannesburg.
 
Celebrated under the theme “Breaking the
Welfare Cycle”, the graduation was held in partnership with Godisang Youth
Development, the Beauty Hub Academy and other external training providers in
the field of Hospitality, Real Estate, Photography, Beauty Therapy, and Hair
Dressing.
 
“We are grateful for the role played by
all external training providers. Not only did our beneficiaries successfully
complete their skills development training, but you laid a solid basis for many
others to follow in a well-structured programme,” said the MEC.
 
“Under the leadership of Premier David
Makhura, the Gauteng Provincial Government endeavours to create sustainable and
decent employment through a growing and inclusive economy. The Welfare-to-Work
Programme (W2WP) is one of the key efforts in reducing the number of people on
grants. This programme aims to move people, especially young women, out of
welfare system into employment,” she added.
 
The W2WP aims to either transit youth who
are on welfare into permanent lucrative employment or provide further education
opportunities.
 
Since its
launch in 2014, over 20 000 welfare recipients have been assisted to access the
working environment provided by a host of NGOs.​