The Western Cape Department of Human Settlements’ Youth in Human Settlements Programme (YiHSP), ensures that young people in the Western Cape are presented with opportunities to upskill and empower themselves on an annual basis.
This is all part of the Western Cape Government’s (WCG) initiative to provide a conducive environment for the youth to reach their full potential, by providing training and opportunities. This is particularly for those young people active or interested in the built environment sector.
The YiHS programme focuses on experiential training in the built environment, and targets those between 18 – 34 years old. This programme includes:
- Accredited training,
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and basic toolkits will be provided as per the Trade trained in,
- There is no cost to the municipality or contractors, and
- A stipend from the EPWP budget is provided, on attendance for a period of 3-6 months employment.
In Uniondale, located in the Central Karoo, there are 9 young people that are currently being trained as plumbers. As part of the Grabouw Rooidakke Housing project, situated in the Theewaterskloof Municipal area, we will see 60 young people commencing with training in the second quarter of this financial year. 15 of these young people are being trained for bricklaying, 15 for plastering, 15 for carpentry and 15 for electrical.
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In addition, 45 young people, consisting of 15 for bricklaying, 15 for plastering and 15 for painting will also commence with their training at our Mountain View Housing project in Mossel Bay. Part of the extensive mentorship, empowerment and development programme in Mossel Bay, 5 local youth contractors were appointed, while 2 of the 5 were also assisted to register their own companies.
Further training opportunities are also earmarked for 30 young people at Sweethomes, Philippi and 10 young people at Conradie Park within the Cape Metropole. This is planned for later in the 2021/2022 financial year.
The Department’s commitment to the empowerment of young people in the Western Cape is also evidenced by no less than 50% of Human Settlements Development Grant (HSDG) being allocated to Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME’s). This particularly benefits the youth.
