Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality have embarked on a program of learnerships for 18(1) employed individuals, funded by Local Government SETA.  In total there were 180 candidates selected from various regions within the Municipality.

Employees in the Municipality who have had the opportunity to be trained in skills programmes up to NQF Level 4 are participating in the full qualification at NQF Level 4 - SAQA ID. No. 21024.

The learnership programmes will be held over a period of 12 months.  The learnership allocations were broken down as follows:

60 candidates - GETC: Horticulture NQF Level 1

60 candidates - GETC: Horticulture (Sports Turf) NQF Level 1

60 candidates - Certificate: Horticulture NQF Level 4

The learnership programmes have been running for a period of approximately four months.  So far the learnership programmes have been a great success.

We hope with the success of the programme, that the Level 1 candidates will be able to progress to the Level 2 learnership in Horticulture. Candidates who successfully gain the Level 4 qualification, can aspire to a Diploma level.

We would like to thank the management of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Parks Department and SRAC (Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture) for their commitment and dedication to these programmes.  We would also like to extend a thank you to Mr Rodney Mohoto (Human Resources) and Mr Ricky Ngwenya of Local Government SETA, who have been instrumental in driving these much needed educational programmes.

ELIZABETH SEKWAYO

Elizabeth Sekwayo is currently facilitating the Level 4 learnership programme for Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.  She has a degree in Landscape Technology from Tshwane University of Technology and has been facilitating programmes in Horticulture for two years. She has gained considerable knowledge and experience in that time.  Elizabeth enjoys passing on her knowledge to the students.  Her interests are missionary work and socialising.