Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane.
Mpumalanga has taken another step towards youth empowerment with the official launch of the Mpumalanga Real Estate Learnership Programme in Middelburg on September 2.
The launch was led by the MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, on behalf of Premier Mandla Ndlovu and the Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane.
The programme will benefit 200 young people from the Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande and Nkangala districts, placing them on a path towards obtaining a qualification in property management while gaining practical experience in one of South Africa’s influential economic sectors.
The initiative is a partnership between the Office of the Premier, Services SETA and the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA).
Thomo described the programme as more than simply another learnership opportunity.
“Today’s launch is far more than the commencement of another learnership programme — it is a strategic intervention that seeks to reposition young people of this province as active participants in one of the country’s most significant economic sectors,” he said.
Thomo encouraged the selected learners to view their participation as a vote of confidence from government and urged them to uphold high standards as they enter the property industry.
“Your selection represents not only confidence in your potential, but also government’s confidence that you possess the determination to become ambassadors of professionalism, integrity and excellence within the property industry,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Human Settlements Ms Thembi Simelane highlighted the programme’s role in advancing transformation within the property sector.
“We are trying to create an African face in the property industry, to ensure the entire property sector is representative of the transformation agenda our country seeks,” she said.
Simelane added that greater representation of previously disadvantaged individuals remains important to transforming the industry.
“We want previously disadvantaged individuals from every walk of life to be represented,” she said.
Under the programme, learners will be placed with established property companies where they will gain practical workplace experience while working towards an NQF4 qualification.
The Mpumalanga Provincial Government, Services SETA and the PPRA will support the learners throughout the programme.
The initiative is expected to provide young people with an opportunity to acquire valuable skills and practical experience while creating pathways into the property management sector.
