SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AWARD CEREMONY
On the15 of August 2024, Council led by His Worship the Mayor Councillor Thobani Shandu hosted a ceremony to recognize and issue certificates of achievements to employees who have successfully completed their qualifications through various skills development initiatives including the Municipal Assisted Study Scheme, Learnerships & Apprenticeship, Skills Program, Work Integrated Learning, and Internships.
The event was held at the iLembe Auditorium where employees were honored for various qualifications including civil engineering, water processing, plumbing, public administration, business leadership, BCom law, science in environmental management, and master’s degrees.
The Municipality also recognized interns who have been with the municipality in various Departments as part of an internship and apprenticeship program and work integrated learnership funded by the District Municipality.
Mayor Shandu said he was humbled to hear of employees who came in as general workers and had little to no skills but are now diploma holders.
“Your hard work and determination is admirable. These qualifications will open many doors for you, not just with iLembe. We also appreciate the effort made by our Human Resources unit. An organization that invests in human capital will never go wrong as this contributes to the growth of the country as a whole,” said His Worship.
30 employees received further education and training certificates in Water and Wastewater Treatment Process Control provision accredited by the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority.
Local Public Administration Portfolio Commitee Chair Cllr Bheka Dlamini appreciated the allocation of a budget to assist employees with furthering their studies.
“This does not only help them in their personal capacity, but it also helps the district municipality in ensuring that it renders services of a suitable standard to the communities. This is even more important as the population in the district is increasing at a high rate, double that of the province. The demand for water and sanitation services is growing and now more than ever we must ensure that we provide a service that is befitting,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries Khayelihle Ndlanzi from Doringkop who has been with the municipality since March 2023 as part of the work integrated learning program thanked management and council for the rare opportunity.
“The experience we received has enabled us to start applying for jobs and to further our studies as well as many of us will now be registering for degrees. I must say as we were rotating departments, we met with some challenges such as working under pressure, but it is this very experience that will propel us further,” she said.
