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22 July 2025 Media Release: Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Visits Garden Route District Municipality to Discuss Skills Development

Media Release: Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Visits Garden Route District Municipality to Discuss Skills Development

For immediate release
22 July 2025

Yesterday, 21 July 2025, the National Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, visited the Offices of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) to engage in discussions and information sharing regarding the importance of skills development in the district and initiatives that can sharpen the implementation of programmes to ensure its overall success thereof.

In welcoming Dr Gondwe, Speaker of Council, Ald. Georlene Wolmarans, noted: “Our district has placed significant emphasis on creating an enabling environment for youth development, education and work-based learning opportunities. A commitment reflected in our adoption of the Skills Mecca model,” she added.

Discussions were mainly revolving around the effectiveness of the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) within the district, matters pertaining to the National Skills Development legislation.

A thorough presentation regarding the overview of the GRSM was delivered by the Strategic Manager in the Office of the Municipal Manager, Thembani Loliwe, who is responsible for overseeing the programme since 1 July 2025.

The presentation covered topics ranging from the initiative’s inception to the number of skills development programmes created and implemented across the district to the partnerships with various stakeholders, such as the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) and the National Skills Fund. These discussions prompted questions raised by Dr Gondwe enquiring about the collaboration between GRDM and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to ensure student success, including placement in organisations for practical skills development. In response to the question, Dr Florus Prinsloo acknowledged that work have already been put into agreements by the GRDM and certain colleges, stating that the development of task teams to ensure the finalisation of agreements hinders the processes.

Dr Gondwe also shared her interest questioning how the GRSM is implemented on local municipal level in the district, to which Mr Loliwe explained the process of Skills Mecca Technicians that are placed at each municipality. Dr Prinsloo elaborated saying that the placement of Skills Mecca Technicians is a coordinated structure, as they have to fulfil a certain role in their respective local municipalities and has a responsibility to report back through the structure in terms of skills development progress made.

Apart from raising the importance of aligning local and national efforts in strengthening skills development, improving coordination and ensuring that communities benefit from inclusive and future-fit education systems, she made an example of the issue of exclusivity. She provided examples highlighting the need to consider various aspects when formalising agreements, such as the distance youth must travel to access TVET colleges. She said: “The distance that youth have to travel from Knysna to Plett or George to access these facilities, is putting an extra financial burden on these students resulting in them dropping out and ending up in front of spaza shops”.

These discussions were the beginning of many discussions to follow, and the Deputy Minister committed to be in the centre of sharpening Skills Development within the district, stating that close relations between the GRDM and the Office of the Deputy Minister will foster growth in the field of skills development.

In closing, Ald. Nompumelelo Ndayi, MMC for Corporate Services at GRDM, extended words of gratitude to Dr Gondwe for her visit to the GRDM and said: “The GRDM appreciates the commitment of your office to strengthening skills development across all levels of government and society. Regarding Dr Gondwe’s and the department’s continued collaboration with local government, Ald. Ndayi said: “It will be realising a skills development agenda that is responsive, inclusive and forward-thinking”.

GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor, Ald. Vlancio Donson, also thanked all Councillors, officials, stakeholders, and partners who participated and shared their thoughts and ideas. “By working together, we can build skills and create more opportunities for our people,” he concluded.

ENDS

06 May 2025 Public Notice: Register on the Garden Route Skills Mecca Unemployment Database

Public Notice: Register on the Garden Route Skills Mecca Unemployment Database

6 May 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality invites unemployed persons currently residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to register themselves on the Garden Route Skills Mecca Unemployment Database.

WHY REGISTER?
By registering, you will:

  • Be included in a central database used to match job seekers with opportunities.
  • Be considered for skills development programs and employment initiatives.
  • Receive communication about relevant training and development projects.

HOW TO REGISTER:
1. Visit: https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za/.
2. Click the red button labelled “Unemployment Solutions”.
3. Select “Create Account”.
4. Go to “Your Profile” and choose “Create Your Unemployment Profile”.
5. Fill in all required information.
6. Upload the following documents:
– Your CV;
– A certified copy of your ID; and
– Certified qualifications

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Reginald Salmons at 044 803 1363, Ms Khanyisa Madolo at 044 803 1456 or Mrs Nolwando Sambokwe at 044 803 1345 during office hours only. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Should candidates not be contacted within one month of the closing date, they must consider their application as
unsuccessful.

Click here to download the Official Advert.

Closing date: 30 June 2025
Notice number: 41/2025

3 July 2023 Media Release: Garden Route Skills Summit and Careers Festival to be hosted in Knysna

Media Release: Garden Route Skills Summit and Careers Festival to be hosted in Knysna

For immediate release
3 July 2023

Skills Summit 13 July 2023 – Knysna High School

The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), a product of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), together with stakeholders, will on 13 July 2023 host a Garden Route Skills Summit at the Knysna High School in Knysna. The event will host Provincial and National Government Departments, the various Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and the Private Sector to deliberate and discuss progress made in relation to the implementation of the Skills Mecca. This is a by-invitation-only event.

The Summit further promises an opportunity for a few innovative proposals to be presented by stakeholders working with local municipalities on employment-based skills development projects, and give stakeholders the opportunity to debate on how they can take the Garden Route Skills Mecca to the next level of development.

Focus will also be given to the emerging Western Cape Provincial Growth for Jobs Strategy, Primary Focus area 7 – Improved Access to Economic Opportunities and Employability and how the Skills Mecca process can integrate the implementation of the strategy with the work already being done by the Skills Mecca. This will allow for the implementation of skills development projects that is aligned to the Garden Route Growth and Development Strategy.

The deliberations at the Summit will also feed into discussions that will be take place the next day at the Premier Council on Skills at the same venue, the Knysna High School.

Careers Festival 13 – 14 July 2023 – Knysna High School Sports Ground

Hosted by the Western Cape Community Education and Training College (WCCETC), the festival aims to give over 2000 unemployed individuals and school-going youth the opportunity to engage with SETAs, as well as public and private training providers.

With many local schools in Knysna and surrounds bringing their learners, the WCCETC expects to attract 32 exhibitors that have various training and personal development programmes available to eligible applicants.

This initiative by the Garden Route District Municipality and its Garden Route Skills Mecca is funded by Services SETA and is an open-to-the-public-event taking place at the Knysna High School.

“Garden Route District Municipality, Your route to prosperity”

ENDS

15 March 2022 Media Release: NYDA Focusses on Youth Development In The Garden Route

Media Release: NYDA Focusses on Youth Development In The Garden Route

15 March 2022
For immediate release

 

The second keynote speaker at the first Garden Route Skills Mecca for 2022 was Tshepo Manyama – Regional Manager of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Western Cape. He outlined NYDA’s skills development plans, opportunities, and needs that support youth development in the Garden Route.

NYDA is a South African-based agency established primarily to address challenges faced by the nation’s youth. The youth development agency was established by an Act of Parliament (Act 54 of 2008) to be a single, unitary structure addressing youth development issues at the National, Provincial and Local Government levels. The Agency should be seen within the broad context of South Africa’s development dynamics.

During Manyama’s presentation, he outlined their economic participation goal, which is to enhance the contribution of young people to the economy through targeted and integrated programs.

He added that programs created by the NYDA aims to facilitate and provide employment opportunities for the youth and to include them in the economy.

The implementation of this goal is at the following strategic objectives:

  • To provide socio-economic empowerment interventions and support for young people in South Africa
  • To provide increased universal access to young people

NYDA runs several economic programs that include:

  • Grant funding R1 000.00 to R10 000.00
  • Business Consultancy Services
  • Sales Pitch and BBBEE Training
  • Business Management Training
  • Mentorship
  • Market Linkages

On youth with disabilities, Manyama had the following to say: “Young people with disabilities are not homogenous as there are different disabilities that require different interventions. The sector representing youth with disabilities proposes the establishment of a disability unit at the NYDA to undertake to facilitate all programs aimed at transforming the lives of youth with disabilities.”

He concluded his presentation by stressing the importance of eradicating discrimination and stigmas against people with disabilities and increasing economic opportunities for them.

Access to education is limited and inadequate and this needs to be addressed. Integration of people with disabilities will also need to be addressed as there is a tendency of lumping them together despite their different needs.

8 September 2021 Media Release: Paving the way forward: Garden Route Skills Mecca collaborates with CATHSSETA on open platform

Media Release: Paving the way forward: Garden Route Skills Mecca collaborates with CATHSSETA on open platform

For Immediate Release
8 September 2021

The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) team, under the stewardship of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), spearheads progressive engagements with stakeholders to ensure that information about skills development in the Garden Route is accessible, understood and embraced. One recent intervention was to draw the Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority, a Sector Education and Training Authorities (CATHSSETA) closer to ‘home’. This was done by discussing matters pertaining to funding, registration, accreditation and how COVID-19 has impacted their systems and processes, amongst others.

 “The session included a wide array of stakeholders, in particular those who deal with CATHSSETA (hotels, B&Bs, AirBNBs, resorts, etc.) and Local Economic Development (LED) representatives from all seven (7) local municipalities (Bitou, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay, Greater Oudtshoorn, Kannaland and Hessequa) in the Garden Route,” said Alderman Memory Booysen, Executive Mayor for GRDM. “My Council has also taken note of the GRSM’s quarterly forum and its progressive implementation methodology, which involves frequent stakeholder collaboration,” said Booysen.

CATHSSETA attended the last forum held on 20 August and decided to approach the GRSM Skills Coordinator, Dr Florus Prinsloo, about a future collaboration with the GRSM. Dr Prinsloo then acted swiftly by arranging a platform where stakeholders could iron out matters concerning the Sector.

The presentation by Martha Collett, who is responsible for looking after the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape on behalf of CATHSSETA, was done concisely and to the point. She provided comprehensive details to local District Stakeholders about developments in the Sector. At the start of her presentation, she said: “The Fourth Industrial Revolution has been accelerated because of the COVID-19 pandemic. E-learning is now becoming the norm, and we have to all think differently about the mode in which we deliver education”.

One of the critical questions she posed was: “Are we preparing learners for the workplace of the future?”

She further elaborated about the type of sub-sectors included in CATHSSETA by saying that if a person unpacks the representation of each Sector in our SETA, the representation looks as follows:

  • Culture and Heritage and Art 7%;
  • Conservation 4%;
  • Travel and Tourism 9%;
  • Hospitality 72%;
  • Sport, Recreation and Fitness 7%;
  • Gaming and lotteries 1%; and
  • 95% of stakeholders are from the Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) Sector.

Stakeholders, especially employers, were encouraged to keep an eye out for the next ‘Discretionary Funding’ window that will open in November 2021. Already, the Hospitality Sector in the District can start planning to take on learners into their business as the economy hopefully re-opens and Tourism picks up as South Africa moves through Spring into Summer.

Similar engagements with other SETAs are also planned by the GRDM Skills Mecca Team to keep the region up to date with all possible opportunities for learning and development.

Download the CATHSSETA Presentation.

In case you missed it, watch the video here.

ENDS