A programme to eradicate potholes aims to train 650 young people in the Free State.

The Central University of Technology (CUT) in collaboration with the Free State Department of Community Safety, Roads, and Transport officially launched this initiative on Tuesday (7/5) on their Bloemfontein campus.

A total of 650 jobs have been created for young people from all five districts in the province. The young people who participate in this programme will receive a CETA-accredited certificate for their training.

EPWP young people at the official launch of the programme. Picture: Zenande Mpame

“The reason we are here today is to celebrate the learners who have worked hard these past five months, to motivate them, to tell them that we appreciate them and to hand out their certificates for the training week they have completed,” said practical implementation manager of the programme Professor Elizabeth Theron.

“We have heard today that the programme will be implemented for three years which is good news because now it will provide skills to the women and youth from the province.”

“We will assist them to build their skills through training courses and certification programmes so that one day when they leave the programme they will be able to open their businesses, manufacture asphalt for the municipalities or the government and they will be able to provide for themselves and their families.”

EPWP learner David Mohlakoana and practical implementation manager of the programme Professor Elizabeth Theron. Picture: Zenande Mpame

When the programme was launched in November, 550 jobs had been created for young people with a target to create 650 jobs. The programme was started to repair roads and address infrastructure challenges in the province.

“I really appreciate being on this programme because I have learned a lot about the job and about myself. This programme has made a big difference in my life as I can provide for my daughter and family,” said Wepener EPWP learner David Mohlakoana.

The CUT CiviLab repair method is one of the ways the institution continues to use technological solutions to provide a positive social impact in the community.

CUT launches initiative to tackle potholes in Free State

“As the provincial government, we have a responsibility to make this programme work and we had a vision to mobilize this programme. Different stakeholders have been involved in making this programme work,” said Office of the Premier’s Representative Dan Kgothule.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh