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17 June 2026 Media Release: UIF Skills Development Programme reaches George

Media Release: UIF Skills Development Programme reaches George

17 June 2026

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), in partnership with the Department of Employment and Labour and the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), has expanded its exciting Skills Development Programme to George, bringing new opportunities to unemployed residents.

According to GRDM Executive Mayor Marais Kruger, “the programme aims to empower unemployed people between the ages of 18 and 59 by providing accredited training that will improve their skills and increase their chances of finding meaningful employment”.

The programme offers 800 training opportunities through two National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 5 qualifications: Process Control Skills (350 opportunities) and Quality Management Systems (QMS) (450 opportunities).

“Participants will gain valuable workplace knowledge and practical skills that can be applied in both the public and private sectors.” Kruger added: “The training is designed to prepare them for careers in administration, operations, compliance, quality assurance, and service delivery”.

Reginald Salmons, GRDM Skills Development Coordinator, said that the programme has already been successfully launched in the Bitou, Knysna and Hessequa municipal areas, and that George will now join the initiative as a key economic hub in the Garden Route. The programme will also be rolled out in Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland, ensuring that unemployed residents across the district have access to these life-changing opportunities.

“Skills development remains one of the most effective tools for reducing unemployment and creating brighter futures for individuals, families, and communities. This initiative shows the shared commitment of government, municipalities, and communities to addressing unemployment and creating pathways to sustainable livelihoods. Beyond providing technical skills, the programme also aims to build confidence, unlock potential, and help participants become active contributors to the local economy,” Salmons concluded.

Participants taking part in activities at the different venues across George during the programme.

“Through strong collaboration between the Unemployment Insurance Fund, the Department of Employment and Labour, and the Garden Route District Municipality, hundreds of residents now can gain recognised qualifications and take meaningful steps towards employment and economic empowerment,” said Mayor Marais Kruger.

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