The Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality recently celebrated a milestone achievement as over 40 young people completed the New Venture Creation Programme in Pankop, Mpumalanga.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Bakgatla Ba Maloka Council Hall, marked the successful culmination of a 12-month joint initiative between the Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA) and the Small Enterprise Development & Finance Agency (SEDFA). The partnership aims to shape futures, build sustainable enterprises, and empower the local Pankop community.
Designed to assist youth in transitioning into entrepreneurship, the programme combined classroom-based training with practical workplace exposure.
Participants were placed with local businesses to gain hands-on experience and business coaching. Upon completion, graduates earned a recognised qualification through Services SETA, with several participants already taking steps to formalise their business ventures through CIPC registration.
Thulile Khumalo, a PSETA Accounting Authority Board Member, praised the graduates for their perseverance and dedication in completing the programme on time.
Katlego Pule from Nokaneng village, one of the 49 programme graduates, shared her experience.
“In the beginning, I didn’t fully understand what the learnership involved. But having launched my own business in 2020, I wanted to learn how to operate it effectively. This programme opened doors for us in the business world,” Pule said.
Bontle Lerumo, CEO of PSETA, emphasised the importance of adaptability and continuous growth.
“The future belongs to those who can think critically, adapt continuously, and collaborate with technology. Young people must embrace lifelong learning and invest in skills such as data analytics, digital literacy, and problem-solving,” Lerumo said.
To ensure long-term sustainability for these emerging entrepreneurs, SEDFA’s Witbank branch will continue offering post-graduation support, including assistance with compliance, business registration, banking, and access to funding and operational tools.
