Gauteng’s Youth Empowered: 923 Graduates Celebrate Skills Programme

On 23 July 2025, 923 young Gauteng graduates celebrated a skills milestone. This achievement brought hope and new chances. The government and partners work hard to turn youth potential into jobs, building a skilled generation ready for the future.

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A Moment of Triumph at the Brixton Multi-purpose Centre

The Brixton Multi-purpose Centre buzzed with energy as graduates from diverse backgrounds completed programmes spanning Project Management, End User Computing, Business Analysis, and Personal Hygiene. Moreover, this event highlighted the province’s firm commitment to empowering youth through practical and relevant skill acquisition. As a result, these graduates are well-prepared to confidently step into the workforce and seize future opportunities.

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Diverse Pathways to Graduation

Among the 923 graduates, a substantial number 789 participated through the Gauteng Department of Health’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). Another 34 came from the Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and 100 from the City of Johannesburg. This blend shows a collaborative effort across government departments to maximize outreach and impact.

MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko’s Vision for Youth Empowerment

MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, addressed the crowd with an inspiring message, emphasizing the life-changing nature of the programme. Furthermore, she highlighted, “This is just the beginning of your journey. Indeed, you are equipped with skills that will allow you to overcome barriers, seize opportunities, and ultimately create a brighter future for yourselves and your communities,” she said, thereby reinforcing the significance of these newly acquired competencies.

Key Programmes Bridging Gauteng’s Skills Gap

Gauteng’s skilling efforts are supported by innovative initiatives such as Nasi Ispani, the Massive Re-skilling Programme, and iCrush ne Lova. These are designed to directly address unemployment by providing meaningful, job-ready skills. Partnerships with accredited training institutions, including TVET Colleges and Liberty College of Excellence, add quality and credibility to the training, ensuring standards meet industry demands.

Voices of Change: Graduates Share Their Gratitude

Graduate Zibuyisile Made from Stretford Community Health Centre expressed her heartfelt thanks: “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.” Her words highlight the transformative power of the programme on individuals’ lives.

Skills That Change Careers and Open Doors

For many, such as Simon Moloantoa, an administration clerk at Kromdraai Clinic, the training means tangible improvements. “I am grateful for the skills I acquired because this will help me enhance my work, and it may play a part in getting promotions,” he shared. This sentiment reflects the practical benefits that effective skilling programmes deliver.

Addressing Gauteng’s Youth Unemployment Crisis

Despite positive strides, Gauteng faces a critical youth unemployment challenge. Recent statistics show a troubling 63.9% unemployment rate among youth aged 15 to 24 and 42.1% for those aged 25 to 34. Nationally, youth unemployment has only slightly improved from 45.5% to 44.6%. These figures underline the urgent need for sustained interventions like Gauteng’s skills development programmes.

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Government’s Commitment to Youth Development

This graduation ceremony clearly symbolizes Gauteng’s ongoing and committed investment in its youth. Moreover, the provincial government recognizes that empowering young people is not only important but essential to building a prosperous society. Consequently, these initiatives directly respond to labour market demands by effectively equipping youths with skills that increase employability and, ultimately, foster economic participation.

Building a Hopeful and Skilled Generation

The collective success of these 923 graduates speaks to a shared vision in Gauteng — a vision where youth are not just beneficiaries but active contributors to economic growth and social stability. Such milestones prove the province’s dedication to cultivating talent and unleashing the potential of every young person.

The Path Forward: Sustaining Momentum and Creating Opportunities

As Gauteng’s youth celebrate their achievements, the focus shifts toward ensuring these skills translate into meaningful jobs and entrepreneurship. Continued support through government programmes and partnerships will be crucial to maintaining this positive trajectory. The province aims to nurture a workforce that is adaptable, innovative, and ready to shape South Africa’s future.