24 Aug 2024

Over 700 Batswana have graduated from the Ipelegeng Skills Development Component (ISDC) since inception in 2022, with a total of 1 780 currently enrolled for various programmes across the country. The revamped Ipelegeng programme is intended to upskil Batswana with different technical skills such as bricklaying and plastering, carpentry and painting among others, in an endeavour to empower them to create employment for themselves and others in their communities. Speaking at the Mabutsane District Council ISDC graduation ceremony for 25 graduates at Kutuku on August 22, the National Ipelegeng coordinator in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Mmolotsi Mokotedi said the success of the piloting project at the then South East District Council in 2022 paved way for more enrolment in various villages countrywide. As a collaborative effort from various ministries and stakeholders, the programme was intended to empower Ipelegeng workers with skills that would see them graduating and participating in the economic landscape of the country. Mr Mokotedi said the acquired skills would also contribute toward enhancing their chances of benefitting from other programmes such as Chema Chema Fund, which were intended to grow entrepreneurs across all sectors. He said the graduation ceremony of the first cohort in Mabutsane District Council was testament that the programme was indeed feasible. “We are here to confirm that it is indeed doable and it is happening now, right here in Kutuku village,” he said. He implored graduates to form cooperatives and companies which they could use to invest in other sectors of the economy. He also urged them to spread their wings and target other markets instead of solely depending on the council for jobs. Additionally, he encouraged them to consider enhancing their skills to position themselves for bigger and better opportunities. He further appealed to Kutuku residents and surrounding communities to support the graduates and engage them for their building projects. For his part, Construction Industry Trust Fund (CITF) North regional coordinator, Mr Geoffrey Matswa commended the village leadership and the graduates for their high level of cooperation during the training period. Mr Matswa said he was optimistic that the skills would be instrumental in changing their lives as they join the mainstream economy. He urged beneficiaries to uphold good work ethics for other residents to benchmark and emulate. He further encouraged them to broaden their skills by enrolling for online courses that will enhance their business acumen. “This is not the end but rather the beginning of your journey, you should now start aiming higher,” he said. Mabutsane District Commissioner, Mr Dick Kalantle said the value of self-reliance had evolved over the years and culminated into rewarding programmes such as the ISDC. Mr Kalantle said the programme resonated with government’s aim of transforming the country into a knowledge-based economy. He said in an endeavour to promote local economic empowerment, his district pledged to support the graduates by engaging them in various projects in line with their skills. One of the graduates, Mr Onkopetse Tlhaping said they were grateful for such an opportunity intended to transform their lives and their families. He said through determination and hard work, they managed to complete some of the projects while others were ongoing. Ends