Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality and TETA Launch Milestone R4.7 million Driver’s Licence Project to Fuel Regional Employment

For immediate release
13 May 2026

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), through the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), officially launched the GRDM/TETA Rural Development Driver’s Licence Project on Friday, 8 May 2026.

The event, held at the GRDM Council Chambers, signalled the commencement of Phase 1 focusing on the George Municipal area. This phase includes the first 80 beneficiaries of the 560 participants set to benefit from this district-wide programme.

The project is coordinated by the GRSM and funded by the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA). This initiative marks a significant investment in the socio-economic mobility of residents across the district.

While welcoming the group at the event, GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, said: “As a District Municipality, we ensure that the partnerships that we are developing with various stakeholders e.g. TETA, Victoria Driving Schools and many others, are maintained and that the funding allocated for these programmes is used for the purpose for which it was granted and intended”.  Stratu further referred to the shortage of certain skills within the economy and emphasised that, “this programme is an indication that our training interventions are aligned with the needs of the economy”.

Thembani Loliwe, GRDM Program Manager of the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) explained that the program originated through the GRSM – a product of the Knysna fire disaster, which created economic havoc across the district in 2017 and nearly destroyed the district’s main economic contributors, namely the Tourism and Hospitality industries. He said: “This disaster resulted in many job losses, but by turning it into an opportunity through the GRSM, R135 million have so far been invested in the program, already benefiting 2 760 youth district-wide”.

Elton Olivier represented Victoria Driving School at the event. The driving school has been appointed as the service provider to ensure high-quality training and high pass rates for all learners. Olivier inspired participants with his personal achievements and encouraged them to prioritise this programme for the betterment of their lives. He highlighted: “You were selected to be part of this opportunity to obtain your learner’s- and drivers’ licences and to equip yourselves to secure employment or better job opportunities”.

Stakeholders and participants during the launch of Phase 1 (George) of the GRDM/TETA Rural Development Driver’s Licence Project.

TETA’s Education, Development and Training Practitioner (EDTP), Malcolm Alexander, reaffirmed the funder’s commitment to rural development. He emphasised that professional driving skills are critical to the sustainability of the South African transport industry. Alexander also highlighted the excellent working relations between TETA and GRDM, before emphasising how opportunities like these do not often become available. Addressing the participants, Alexander said: “You have this one opportunity – stay focused and achieve it. We want to see you climbing the ladder of success – and having a driving licence is a significant step-up towards achieving that success”.

Lungiswa Bini and Liyema Magajana, both participants in the program, extending words of appreciation to the GRDM and stakeholders for their strong partnership in rolling out this program.  Although Bini acknowledged the difficulties unemployed youth face in obtaining a driver’s licence, Magajana commended the GRDM and stakeholders saying that “being part of this program not only help us to gain important skills, but it also opens doors for employment and a brighter future”.  On behalf of the group, he undertook “to make the most of this opportunity and use the knowledge and skills responsibly”. In addition, Liyema said: “Many of us would not have been able to afford this opportunity on our own, and for that reason we are immensely grateful”. In conclusion he thanked the TETA, facilitators, instructors, and everyone involved in making the programme a reality.

The Garden Route District Municipality extends its gratitude to TETA for the funding and to all local municipal partners for their cooperation in making this life-changing project a reality.

ENDS