As part of empowering the unemployed and preparing them with necessary skills required by the job market, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport will award support for learners’ and drivers’ licences to 4 000 beneficiaries.
The programme dubbed Thuthuka Driver Training is aimed at assisting people of all age groups with drivers’ licences.
As part of the process the Department ran an open process where it invited members of the public to apply.
More than 50 000 applications were received.
After a very vigorous and transparent selection process, the Department has concluded on the first 4 000 applicants.
The beneficiaries are coming from all districts of the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
This programme is the first of its kind and the Department intends to create a database of the applicants, with a view to mobilising more resources, including in the private sector, to assist in this programme.
The driving school industry is also working with the Department as part of delivering this process and applicants will be assigned to driving schools that will meet the agreed criteria.
The Thuthuka Driver Training Programme will strengthen the relationship between the Department and the driving school industry, which has since been formalised by the government in the province.
After being briefed on the progress, the MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Sipho Hlomuka commended the Department for running this process professionally and with all due diligence.
“This programme is essential in preparing unemployed people for employment. It will assist the young and old – but mostly the unemployed graduates. This is part of honouring our commitments of making the lives of the people better. We are also pleased with the role and partnership with driving school industry because it means we will produce drivers that are competent and fit to be on the road. The Thuthuka Driver Training will augment the government’s effort through S’thesha Waya Waya,” concluded MEC Hlomuka.
The programme will be launched by the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Ms Nomusa Dube-Ncube at the Durban Exhibition Centre on Thursday (01 March 2024).