Story by Aifheli Mudau
MATABELELAND South hosted its Provincial Skills Fairs Competition at Phangani Vocational Training Centre in Insiza District this Friday, as the Second Republic continues efforts to increase the national skills base beyond 38 percent.
The competition showcased the growing impact of Government-led skills development initiatives aimed at empowering communities, promoting entrepreneurship and fostering self-reliance.
More than 100 participants from across the province took part in this year’s event, demonstrating a wide range of practical and vocational skills acquired through training programmes being implemented at vocational training centres.
Participants praised the initiative, saying it is equipping communities with skills that can create employment opportunities and improve livelihoods.
“I think schools are also getting an opportunity to mould learners who are ready to face the world of technology as they complete high school and we appreciate the move by government to have such initiatives,” a participant said.
“This is my first time to be here I am happy because I have learnt something from other members and I want to encourage other youths, especially girls, to grab such opportunities,” another added.
“I may fail and not make it academically, but through this initiative that is being rolled out by government, development skills will help us. It was a good opportunity to be here and see how others are performing in terms of their skills development,” a participant said.
Government highlighted its commitment to empowering local communities, a move appreciated by the local leadership.
“This skills development programme is helping a lot in our communities because youths and women now are able to learn different skills in these Vocational Training Centers, making themselves self-employed and getting income,” Chief Sibasa stated.
“As Government, we are working hand in glove with different members of the community so that we can empower them through teaching them different skills that will make them earn an extra cent and change the lives of their families as we travel the journey to 2030 of an upper middle-income society. So we are saying, as government, let us utilise our local resources to empower communities,” Chief Director in the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development, Mr Clifford Matorera
The Second Republic through the National Development Strategy 2 positions skills development as a fundamental pillar for economic transformation towards achieving Vision 2030.
