Learnerships crucial to youth development

I AM writing in response to your articles (ZO 3 March and 4 July ) relating to calls on local businesses to host the learners as part of their workplace experience which runs concurrently with the theoretical learning.

The college pays for the stipend which is sponsored by TETA, the transport SETA, and the company pays no cent and in turn receive a tax rebate.

I am writing to air my disappointment at the poor response by local businesses to this call.

It is further disappointing to note as well that even government departments, in spite of intensive meetings, presentations and follow-ups, have buried their heads in the sand on this matter.

However, one must commend both the uThungulu District Municipality and uMhlathuze Municipality for setting the trend by hosting learners with disabilities within their municipalities.

One must also acknowledge some local companies who have come forth and took in some learners.

But we still have many learners who are still deprived of these great opportunities to improve their skills and increase their chances of employment, thereby breaking the circle of poverty and elevate them above the general view that they are charity cases.

I am one of the recipients of an ATHENA learnership and my life has changed since then.

I am therefore renewing this call to government departments and local businesses to open their doors as this provides the youth with valuable opportunities to enhance themselves. t

BONGINKOSI ZWANE