MIDDELBURG – A new programme aims to transform townships into hubs where residents can gain practical skills, start businesses, create jobs and build generational wealth.
The Township Economy Empowerment & Skills Development Programme (TEESDP) has introduced a model combining practical skills development, enterprise support and market opportunities to build sustainable township economies.
TEESDP is structured around a value chain that goes beyond training and certification. It includes skills development, smart solar container stores and workshops, enterprise and supplier development, business start-up and market support, mentorship and business linkages.
“The goal is not simply to issue certificates. We want skills to become income-generating enterprises,” said the programme’s founder, Mandlenkosi Mkhwanazi.
From training to trading
A key part of the programme is the development of smart solar-powered container businesses. These off-grid stores and workshops are intended to provide essential products and services within communities while creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Proposed businesses include solar enterprises, repair workshops, food and butchery enterprises, barbershops and beauty studios, community bakeries, township retail stores, digital and technology businesses, agriculture and agro-processing enterprises, and recycling and clothing manufacturing hubs.
“This is how we begin building a township economy where local money circulates locally, local businesses supply locally and local entrepreneurs employ locally,” Mkhwanazi said.
Wide range of skills
Mkhwanazi said TEESDP offers training in more than 20 practical and future-focused areas.
These include solar photovoltaic installation and maintenance, electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charger installation, spaza shop and township retail management, hair, beauty and barbering, cellphone and laptop repairs, electrical appliance repair, plumbing and borehole support, carpentry and furniture making, welding and fabrication, bricklaying, paving and tiling.
Other training areas include smart agriculture, drones and hydroponics, agro-processing and butchery, sewing and personal protective equipment manufacturing, digital skills and artificial intelligence for business, waste recycling, CCTV and electric fence installation, bakery and food enterprises, and gas refill enterprises.
From job seekers to job creators
Mkhwanazi said the programme’s motto is: “Learn a Skill, Start a Business, Create Jobs.”
“Three skilled people can transform a neighbourhood. One successful small business can create jobs. Thousands of sustainable township enterprises can transform communities,” he said.
As South Africa continues to grapple with high youth unemployment, TEESDP presents its model as a way to move beyond informal trading towards more sustainable businesses.
The programme aims to help people move from being consumers to producers and from job seekers to job creators.
Young people, small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and potential partners are encouraged to participate in the programme’s training and enterprise opportunities.
For more information, interested parties can follow #TEESDP on social media.
