By Kopano Dibakwane
Young people from across Mpumalanga have been given a progressive opportunity to switch from being job seekers to future key role players in the property industry.
This follows the recent launch of Mpumalanga Real Estate Learnership Programme at Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, placing 200 youth from the districts of Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande and Nkangala on a path to a property management qualification and workplace experience in one of South Africa’s most lucrative sectors.
The Mpumalanga Provincial Government said the initiative is a partnership between the Office of the Premier, Services SETA and the PPRA(Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority).
Learners will reportedly be placed with established property companies for practical workplace experience as they work towards an NQF4 qualification, with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, Services SETA and the PPRA supporting the process throughout.
Keynote speaker, Minister of Human Settlements Ms Thembi Simelane, said the programme is about changing the face of the property industry.
“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. We want previously disadvantaged individuals from every walk of life to be represented,” said Minister Simelane.
Speaking on behalf of the Premier, MEC for DPWRT(Department of Public Works Roads and Transport), Thulasizwe Thomo, said this was no ordinary learnership. He emphasised that the learners have earned their placement into the programme.
MEC Thomo also emphasised to the learners that their selection is a vote of confidence from government, and that the learnership is a strategic intervention that seeks to reposition young people of Mpumalanga as active participants in one of the country’s most significant economic sectors.
“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,” MEC Thomo said.
The programme will reportedly run for a period of 12 to 18 months, allowing participants to acquire valuable theoretical knowledge complemented by work-integrated learning, mentorship and regulatory licensing.
MEC Thomo said young people will be equipped with the skills and competencies required to pursue careers and opportunities within the real estate sector, through a combination of classroom-based learning and practical experience.
