Chief Ndiweni (left) and Minister of Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Patrick Zhuwao share a lighter moment at the chief’s kraal in Ntabazinduna
Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
THE government has promised to address concerns raised by Chief Ndiweni of Ntabazinduna who says the area needs a vocational training centre to empower youths.
Two weeks ago, Chief Ndiweni torched a storm when he said the government should shut down Ntabazinduna Police Training Depot and open a vocational training centre in its place.
The Minister of Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment, Patrick Zhuwao, visited Chief Ndiweni’s homestead on Wednesday and promised that a vocational training centre would be opened elsewhere in the area.
Zhuwao said it was his hope that every ward in the country would have a vocational training centre. He said the new education curriculum would also come handy as it promotes skills learning.
“Every district has its specific opportunities and we must be in a position to tap into that. After hearing your concerns, we felt that it is important to come and listen . . . maybe they can be met. Cabinet heard your concerns and subsequently directed me to look into the issue and address the concerns wherever possible,” said Zhuwao.
After deliberations with Chief Ndiweni, Zhuwao was charmed by the vision the traditional leader had for the area. He said Chief Ndiweni’s ideas were inspirational and he would take them on board.
“To me this was inspirational. I’m impressed with the way you articulate your issues. I totally subscribe to your vision,” Zhuwao said.
The Minister said he would engage his counterparts in the Ministry of Home Affairs after he was told that the vocational training centre at the Police Depot was not fully utilised.
Chief Ndiweni said most of the youths in his area were jobless and had no life skills to empower themselves. He said a vocational training centre had the capacity to transform the lives of the youths who now resort to alcohol abuse.
“We’ve youths who by 6AM will have started drinking and by 8AM they will be drunk. We’re not being economic. This leads to anti-social behaviour. Relationships break down as a result,” said the chief.
Chief Ndiweni said the petition calling for the closure of the police depot in his area was deliberately made to stir debate around the issue of a vocational training centre.