08/09/2026
NEWCASTLE MUNICIPALITY LAUNCHES MAYORAL YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME TO TACKLE YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT
The Newcastle Municipality, under the stewardship of the Honourable Mayor, Cllr D.X. Dube, has successfully rolled out the first phase of the Mayoral Youth Empowerment Programme, with a focused investment in Learners and Drivers Licence assistance for unemployed youth.
This strategic intervention held simultaneously in Madadeni Community Hall and Osizweni Hall confronts one of the most persistent barriers to youth economic participation in Newcastle. The absence of a valid drivers licence continues to disqualify talented and capable young people from employment, internship and skills development opportunities in both the public and private sectors.
The programme seeks to:
1. Enhance youth employability and competitiveness in the labour market;
2. Make a meaningful contribution to the reduction of youth unemployment;
3. Promote responsible driving and road safety through accredited and structured training; and
4. Foster self-reliance and entrepreneurship within the transport and logistics economy.
Crucially, this is an inclusive and non-partisan service delivery programme. Its benefits will accrue to all qualifying residents of Newcastle, irrespective of political affiliation, ward, or social background. It is a programme for the people, by a government that puts its people first, in line with the principles of Batho Pele and the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
"By fully funding both the theoretical and practical components of driver training, as the Municipality we are removing the financial burden that has historically placed this essential skill beyond the reach of many indigent households," said Mayor Dube.