GRDM Celebrates Home-Based Care Certificate Ceremony

20 February 2025

Today, the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), under the umbrella of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), proudly celebrated the graduation of 72 home-based learners who have successfully completed their training program funded by the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA). The ceremony, held at the African Skills Centre in George, was attended by political leaders, municipal officials, dignitaries from the private sector, learners, and their families.

The event was directed by Reginald Salmons, GRDM Coordinator of Skills Development, and officially opened by GRDM Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Community Services, Alderlady Ndayi, who welcomed guests and set the tone for the proceedings. Part and parcel of her work is to oversee everything relating to Corporate Services, of which the GRSM forms part of.

Ald. Sumeia Ndayi was followed by Cllr Roelfse, George Municipality’s MMC for Social Development and Sport, who delivered a message of support on behalf of George Municipality, commending the District Municipality for rolling out this remarkable programme.

Pastor Clifford Sheldon of Hope Family Church delivered an inspiring message, using the Word of God to encourage and motivate the learners as they embark on their new journey. He concluded his remarks with an appeal to the learners, saying: “Don’t stop dreaming, don’t stop learning, don’t stop training yourself, because the best is yet to come. You have stood up in a time like this because this is not just work, but a calling you are entering.”

In 2023, GRDM received a R5.2 million investment to train unemployed individuals as Home-Based Care Personal Assistants across all seven local municipalities in the Garden Route.  Throughout the programme, learners gained both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience at various training venues. They also received a monthly stipend, and late last year, they wrote their final IESA Exams, which served as their final assessment. Today, their hard work and dedication were rewarded as they received their certificates of completion, marking a significant milestone in their journey.

A very proud Dr. Florus Prinsloo, former Project Coordinator of the GRSM and custodian of the programme, provided a brief background and overview of the Skills Mecca Home-Based PA Project. He began his presentation with a powerful quote from Albert Einstein: “Once you stop learning, you start dying.” His reflections highlighted the importance of investing in skills development to empower communities and address unemployment.

Elsie Harmse, CEO of UXI/Africa Skills Village in George, shared insights into the students’ training experience, providing a glimpse into their journey toward successfully completing the programme. She encouraged the learners to make a difference wherever they go, emphasizing that this has always been the core objective of the African Skills Centre—to positively impact people’s lives.

The keynote address was delivered by Zubeyda January, Provincial Manager of HWSETA, who emphasized the importance of building partnerships to enhance skills development and create sustainable employment opportunities.

January expressed gratitude for the hard work and dedication that contributed to the project’s success. She stated: “It takes people with empathy, compassion, patience, and responsibility to choose a career in home-based care. At HWSETA, we have witnessed firsthand the rare characteristics you demonstrated during our visits to the different care centres, where learners practiced their skills under the supervision of their assigned mentors.”

In conclusion, January thanked all partners, including GRDM, African Skills Village, and officials from her department, and most importantly, the learners for their hard work and perseverance in making the project a success.

Zodwa Nqcwangu and Thobeka Jali, two beneficiaries of the programme, expressed their heartfelt gratitude on behalf of their fellow learners. They thanked GRDM and all partners present for the opportunity to be part of the programme and for the unwavering support provided throughout their training.

Many of the graduates have already secured employment opportunities, with some being offered positions at the host employers where they completed their practical training. This serves as clear evidence that investing in people is investing in the future.

Michelle Smit, Acting Executive Manager of Corporate Services, thanked all role-players for their invaluable contributions in making the project a tremendous success.

The Home-Based PA Project is an initiative rolled out by the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM). The project was coordinated by Dineo Ramasesane, one of twelve (12) Garden Route Skills Mecca Technicians, based at GRDM’s Economic Development Unit. She provided project management assistance, facilitated the programme’s monthly meetings, and ensured continuous feedback and updates to GRDM.

Featured Image Caption: A group picture of all the learners and stakeholders who attended the graduation ceremony, celebrating the success of the Home-Based Care Training Programme.

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