GEORGE NEWS - In celebration of Women's Month, the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) and Africa Skills George Tech, awarded full bursaries to nine young women from the Garden Route and Klein Karoo.
The bursaries were presented at a ceremony at Africa Skills' George campus on Saturday 16 August.
The bursary recipients, all under 30, will embark on a three-year course towards the Diesel Mechanic Red Seal qualification, beginning 8 September.
Training will follow Africa Skills' 70/30 model, combining workplace experience with classroom instruction.
"The only way to change lives sustainably is through skills development," said Africa Skills co-founder, Elsie Harmse.
The beneficiaries are Akahlulwalutho Mdaka, Linathi Menziwa, Meliza Taks, Sphokazi Ngwandi, Sinovuyo Mvalo, Nzeene Pretorius, Chloe Hartnick, Denoline Mruqhli and Andiswa Mkhize, most of whom live in Pacaltsdorp and Thembalethu.
"The bursaries come at a critical time for South Africa, where youth unemployment stands at 46.1% and women remain underrepresented in the automotive sector, with just two women for every ten men," said Harmse.
"Compounding this is the national shortage of skilled artisans – only 13 000 are trained annually, against a target of 30 000. Without urgent action, these challenges will continue to fuel inequality and threaten industry sustainability."
RMI CEO Ipeleng Mabusela highlighted the organisation's role as the voice of more than 8 200 members in the automotive sector.
The event was also attended by RMI representatives Nonhlanhla Tshabalala, Dineo Mosia, and Peter van Mosseveld. Mosia emphasised Project Dineo, an initiative to bring 300 learners into the industry over three years.
"The project aims to boost female representation by 40%, while tackling South Africa's artisan shortage and high youth unemployment. For these nine women, the bursaries are a gateway from passion to profession."
Eight of the bursary recipients, from left: Akahlulwalutho Mdaka, Meliza Taks, Sphokazi Ngwandi, Sinovuyo Mvalo, Priscilla Maritz (RMI), Nzeene Pretorius, Chloe Hartnick, Denoline Mruqhli and Andiswa Mkhize. Absent: Linathi Menziwa
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