The National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Makgothi Thobakgale congratulated the 2023 cohort of learners who completed the 12-month New Venture Creation Learnership programme.
In his address during the certificate ceremony held at Durban Management Area, in KwaZulu-Natal, on 13 March 2024, Commissioner Thobakgale praised the recipients which included ex-offenders, probationers, community members and victims of crime for their hard work and commitment to self-development. “Today, we gather to celebrate not just the completion of a programme, but the resilience, determination, and strength of those who have embarked on a journey of excellence and self-realisation,” he said.
The auspicious event was organised in partnership with Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) and the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Commissioner Thobakgale further acknowledged that learning and studying is not easy as it comes with its own challenges. “It is true that each one of you has a unique story to tell. It is a story of challenges, a story of obstacles, and a story of overcoming. Some of you were told it is all over, and that the hurdles you faced in life seemed impossible to conquer. It is also true that there were setbacks along the way that may have pushed you to the brink of giving up. Yet, here you are today, standing tall, resilient, and ready to take on the world. Throughout this programme, you dedicated countless hours to learning, growing, and honing your skills. I know that you have embraced the knowledge shared with you, and it is now up to you to turn it into something truly remarkable,” he added.
KwaZulu-Natal Regional Commissioner, Mnikelwa Nxele took the opportunity to affirm that the excellent work done in the region is done on behalf of the entire Department. “We affirm that we are part of the National Department of Correctional Services. It is in this context that we say thank you to DCS Management for being part of this ceremony to honour learners who are graduating after a year’s course,” he said.
SASSETA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Thamsanqa Mdontswa said that as an organisation that is charged with skills development, they were also excited with the certification of the 28 participants. “We are joyful of this achievement. In total, we had 100 learners on the programme, and we are happy to see this cohort make it this far. As SASSETA, we seek to improve access to occupations in high demand and priority skills aligned to supporting economic growth, employment creation and social development, while seeking to address systemic challenges,” he said. “This should be done through the provision of needs-based job-oriented programmes to assist individuals in obtaining jobs and employment opportunities. We need to use our cell phones to empower ourselves because most opportunities are on our finger tips,” he concluded.
One of the jubilant graduates, Fortunate Nsele could not contain her emotions as she reminisced about the journey that the group has travelled in pursuit of their dreams. “As the 2023 cohort, we want to say thank you for everything you have done to support us. We say speed is not everything, what matters is that you keep moving forward; little progress is still progress. As long as you don’t stop, you will get to the top,” she said.
