SANRAL has teamed up with its construction partners, AECOM, Stefanutti Stocks and Power Group, to address the growing youth unemployment crisis in Malmesbury, in the Western Cape. It entails creating and funding a youth learnership programme alongside the N7 construction in the area, at an investment of R1.4m. A certificate ceremony was held at the Malmesbury Town Hall in November, where 22 learners received certificates for completing NQF Level 3 and NQF Level 4 training in various construction disciplines. Their journey began in March 2016, when 24 learners out of a group of 60 applicants began their construction learnership programme in Malmesbury. Twelve students chose to focus on road works, while the other half chose concrete as their area of speciality. SANRAL Corporate Services Executive Heidi Harper said: “This is a tangible example of how a public-private partnership can help not only to transform and maintain our national road network, but also to assist the communities along the route with jobs and training.” Learner Siyanda Mayonga, who completed both NQF3 and NQF4 training, was full of praise for the programme. Given an opportunity to speak at the Opportunities for Malmesbury youth certificate ceremony, he particularly appreciated the level of practical skills and theoretical knowledge the group gained – and the fact that all the participating learners received a salary for the duration of their training. He said it made a huge difference to their families. Maude Goliath, deputy mayor of Swartland municipality, delivered the keynote address at the ceremony. “We are very grateful to SANRAL for their commitment to our community and are pleased that the group includes seven women, which is definitely a step in the right direction. Our country must strive to expand opportunities for women in engineering and science,” she said. Fifteen of the 22 learners remain employed as a result of having successfully completed their training. Some of them are already engaged in further training and development. They are an inspiration to many other young people in the community. With commitment and determination we can create legacies that will continue to change lives for generations to come. SANRAL remains committed to finding opportunities for those who live alongside our construction projects, where we can positively impact the lives of our citizens beyond merely building roads.