Picture: North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The Democratic Alliance in the North West calls on the North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro to give answers for the ‘abrupt’ termination of student apprenticeships. It is alleged that the provincial government suddenly terminated the apprenticeships of 39 students from the Denel Technical Academy without supplying any reasons.
DA provincial leader, Joe McGluwa said the students enrolled for a three-year apprenticeship in aircraft mechanics, fitter and turner, electricity and welding with Denel in 2018 and would have completed their respective qualifications by the end of this year.
The apprenticeship was sponsored by the Ikatisong School of Governance. McGluwa said students received a letter from Denel that abruptly ended their studies on 17 January 2020.
“The fact that students were unable to return, is the result of years of poor management and lack of planning. During the State of the Province Address (SOPA) delivered in February 2020, Mokgoro indicated that the Ikatisong School of Governance will undergo a “comprehensive turnaround” to address socio-economic challenges.
“This was another empty promise by the North West Provincial Government. With a youth unemployment rate of almost 50% in the province, snatching away the few available opportunities, is simply inconceivable,” he said.
McGluwa added that the provincial government failed to honour their commitment to the youth of this province. He said for months, students have been sent from pillar to post in their attempt to find answers from the Office of the Premier.
“The Premier must disclose the reasons why the funding was halted and also whether there is a mitigation plan to ensure that students complete their qualification. We call for thorough investigations that will reveal what processes were followed to award the bursaries and also who the individuals behind the termination are.
“This outrageous turn of events not only deprived the students of a chance to add value to their communities, but also effectively excludes them from meaningfully contributing to the economy,” said McGluwa.
Meanwhile, Mokgoro is set to appear before the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Premier, Finance, Cooperative Governance and Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs on Tuesday at 2pm to give answers on the Denel Study Program.
The Guardian 