Dr Shadrack Nthangeni, Acting Executive Director: SAED.
CATHSSETA’s mandate is to facilitate skills development within its sub-sectors (i.e. Conservation, Tourism, and Sport and Recreation) through the payment of grants for learning programmes and monitoring of education and training.
Speaking at the event, Dr Nthangeni, said through the CATHSSETA learnership programme, they intend to bridge the gap between education and work opportunities by equipping graduates with the necessary skills to eradicate unemployment and poverty.
“To the 17 interns who are part of this exciting programme, I believe that after finishing this learnership, you will undoubtedly be more marketable and employable. We want to see youth employment declining every day. This is the programme that can change your life forever.”
“This is an opportunity to advance your career and to prepare for the job awaiting. You might be an employer or an employee. Let us create a better South Africa within Africa and the Globe. You have the ball in your hands,” said Dr Nthangeni.
Dr Eric Pule, Director at the Advancement and Partnerships Office (APO), who was part of the negotiation team with CATHSSETA, said the grant received for this learnership is aimed at encouraging stakeholders to contribute towards skills development and has resulted in the appointment of 17 passionate interns.
“We wish all the interns well and encourage them to make use of this great opportunity. Never take anything for granted. This opportunity might change your life for the better,” said Dr Pule.
Speaking on behalf of the seventeen CATHSEETA cohorts, Dineo Kgapola, a Sport Management graduate said that the graduates were looking forward to learning and sharpening their skills. “This is a good indication of an increasing interest in addressing youth unemployment in our country with initiatives that aim at young people. We are grateful to the University and all those who work hard to make sure that such initiatives come to fruition”, said Dineo.
Machesa Kgomo, HOD: Sports & Recreation at the Pretoria Campus said the Department is geared up to empower the graduates with needed skills. “I must indicate that as TUT, we pride ourselves in empowering individuals from different background to reach their full potential, by creating a conducive environment. We trust that the interns will grab this massive opportunity with both hands”, said Kgomo.