Phetoho Maja
​30-year-old Dzunisani Rikhotso from Daveyton in Ekurhuleni is hopeful about thriving in the business of making furniture.
This comes after he received a training opportunity at the Puisano Development Centre, based in Daveyton. The centre, which is a non-profit organisation (NPO), is funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) to offer skills development programmes in the form of end-user computing, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, agriculture, and a family helpdesk where they do referrals for drug rehabilitation services.

Speaking to the Weekly Bulletin, Rikhotso said, “I have been trying to get on my feet for a while now, and I am so inspired by the training offerings here at the Puisano Development Centre. I heard about this programme from a friend last year and decided to send my application to be a trainee in furniture making.”

“From a young age, I have always been passionate about starting a business. So, through this programme, I will be able to start my furniture business, support my family, and employ other people. Being part of this programme was the best decision I have ever made. What inspires me more is that the centre invites other entrepreneurs to share knowledge about business.”

“I will work very hard to be a top student, both practical and theorical. This will enable me to receive a SETA-accredited NQF Level 2 National Certificate in Furniture Making and an award in the form of start-up equipment and material that is conferred to top students by the centre,” said the aspiring furniture maker.

Rikhotso gave praise to the Gauteng Department of Social Development for giving him and many other young people an opportunity to be skilled and not fall prey to many social ills affecting the youth, such as drugs and substance abuse.

The adviser at Puisano Development Centre, Sibongile Mabote, added that they wish to expand their organisation so that it reaches more young people in Ekurhuleni townships.

“We want to reiterate that our services are free of charge and are funded by GDSD. We are currently training more than thirty (30) young people from this area of Daveyton,” she said.

Puisano Development Centre is among the organisations that signed the interim Service Level Agreements (SLAs) following a commitment by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to repair and strengthen the sector.

The centre manager at Puisano Development Centre, Seipati Tabudi, has urged the community to make use of their family helpdesk to assist those who are battling with drug addiction.

“As we continue to observe Youth Month, we want to urge young people to refrain from drugs so that together we fight the unemployment that is prevalent in our communities. We need the community to unite and fight against this demon because we believe that those who are trapped in drugs are the most brilliant and intelligent,” said Tabudi.

She added, “There was a lot of uncertainty around the survival of Gauteng NPOs at the beginning of the year, but we are happy that finally there is a green light. From now onwards, we will fix our mistakes and brainstorm new ideas because all of this should benefit the communities and people that we serve.”