​Qaqambile Mdledle
Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi has honoured homeless beneficiaries with certificates after completing skills development training in a graduation ceremony at Xilembeni Project Centre of Excellence in Bapsfontein, Ekurhuleni, Sunday 21 November 2020.
Over hundred beneficiaries including the homeless who have been accommodated in temporary shelters since the national state of disaster was declared by President, Cyril Ramaphosa, graduated after successfully completing a skills development training in building, welding, carpentry and electricity.
"The homeless were among the beneficiaries who will graduate today. Through this centre of excellence, we have managed to provide skills development for parolees, rehabilitated drug and substance abusers as well as the young adults, preparing them for reintegration back to their families and communities. Through such programmes beneficiaries are able to be self-reliant and in some instances, create employment," said MEC Mokgethi.
MEC has praised the partnership with the City of Ekurhuleni based Xilembeni Projects Centre of Excellence who were anchors in providing skills to the homeless. 
"Being homeless, an ex-offender or substance abuse survivor should not determine your destiny "said MEC Mokgethi. She said these beneficiaries have overcome multiple social adversities to attain what they have accomplished today. 
"They have defied public perceptions, re-educated most of us that being an ex-offender, homeless or substance abuse survivor, should and must not determine your purpose," she said.
Lehlogonolo Sekhobela, a beneficiary of the Xilembeni Skills Development said his mother  was his hero because she never failed nor let him down instead she stood by him given the pain he made her go through.
"I would like to thank my mom for supporting me through this journey of hardship. I am looking forward to start my own construction company so that I can also empower others through the lessons I received here at Xilembeni Project Centre of Excellence," he said. 
The Gauteng Department of Social Development will now focus on re-integration process to their families and community at large and this would be a continuous conversion process.