R18m for ECape skills training
Candace Freeman
16 March 2004
The Minister of Labour Membathisi Mdladlana at the weekend handed over R18.9-million to training projects in the Kieskammahoek District of the Eastern Cape.
The money will be used to enhance the skills of more than 5 000 workers in projects in the province.
"Skills development is a key priority for the country. As Black people, we have been denied education and training by the apartheid regime and we were made not to value land and livestock. This money is part of the Department of Labour's contribution to the Eastern Cape's Massive Food Production Programme," the Minister said.
Mdladlana said the provision of skills to empower people to till the land and provide communities with food was a priority for government.
The Massive Food Production Programme is aimed at stimulating grain production, particularly the cultivation of maize. Government has contributed R350-million to the five-year project, and the Department of Labour funds
the skills development aspect of the project.
Mdladlana also visited the Zanyokwe Irrigation Scheme in the district, where 71 workers have received training. After viewing the irrigation scheme, Mdladlana went to the Helele Poultry Project, where 12 people have gained broiler production, egg production and building skills. Chickens from the project are expected to be exported to the Democratic Republic of Congo soon.
"I am happy that we are exporting, and this shows the importance of skilling our people. It is important that we provide training on business management skills and ensure that participants understand profit and loss, how to increase the quality of production and learn where to sell their products," added Mdladlana.
Source: BuaNews
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