The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in Gauteng welcomes the graduation of more than 2,500 young people through a provincial skills development programme aimed at equipping unemployed youth with practical skills to support the maintenance and refurbishment of schools, hospitals, clinics, and other public facilities across Gauteng.
This initiative is a practical intervention in addressing two interlinked crises confronting our province and country: the stubbornly high levels of youth unemployment and the deteriorating condition of public infrastructure. By investing in artisan, technical, and maintenance skills, the Gauteng Provincial Government is not only creating pathways for young people into the labour market but also strengthening the state’s capacity to improve service delivery.
Gauteng continues to face significant infrastructure backlogs in schools and healthcare institutions, with many facilities requiring urgent repairs, maintenance, and upgrading. The deployment of skilled youth into these sectors can contribute meaningfully towards creating safer learning environments for learners, dignified working conditions for educators and health workers, and improved service delivery for communities.
COSATU Gauteng believes that skills development must be central to the province’s economic recovery and industrialisation agenda. South Africa cannot meaningfully tackle unemployment while millions of young people remain excluded from education, training, and workplace opportunities.
We therefore call on government to ensure that this programme is not treated as a once off intervention but is institutionalised and expanded to absorb more unemployed youth, particularly graduates and TVET college learners who remain locked out of employment opportunities despite having qualifications.
Furthermore, participants in these programmes must be linked to sustainable employment opportunities, entrepreneurship support, and further training pathways to ensure long-term economic inclusion.
COSATU Gauteng also urges stronger coordination between government departments, SETAs, municipalities, public entities, and organised labour to ensure that skills programmes are aligned with the actual developmental and infrastructure needs of the province.
The Federation remains committed to supporting initiatives that advance decent work, rebuild public infrastructure, and restore hope to the youth of Gauteng.
Issued by COSATU Gauteng
Provincial Chairperson: Amos Monyela, 079 493 5002
Provincial Secretary: Louisah Modikwe, 082 297 2659
