Duduza Development Center Skills Graduation

The Duduza Development Center on Thursday, 27 February 2025 held a monumental graduation ceremony to honour the recipients who have successfully completed their courses. They received certificates of completion in Call Centre, Computer, welding, and carpentry.

According to the Center Manager Happy Tshabalala, this program began in 2005 and is aimed at making the youth of Duduza employable while breaking the social barriers of poverty and inadequacy.

Their goal is to ensure that at least one member of each household is employed, which helps bridge the gap.

Speaking to Alfred Motaung (29) who received a certificate in welding, he expressed how he was the first from his family to graduate like this.

“This program has lifted my confidence, I now know I have to carry myself differently from now on. I had doubts but when I heard that we were going to receive certificates it changed how I saw the program, I got excited. After receiving this certificate I feel very happy and I will continue upgrading myself.”

Amongst the dignitaries present at the event were Pastor Buntu Msengi, Mr. Alfred Mbenyani, Mr. Mzwakhe Nkutha, Ms. Charlotte Zulu, Mr. Tony Gumede, and Mr. Lambani Thukhani.

They represented influential groups and demonstrated their appreciation and enthusiasm for the program. Furthermore, they showed dedication and commitment to helping the program grow and providing support to the recipients in terms of job placement readiness.

Speaking words of motivation was Mr. Tony Gumede who has been a strong advocate for growth and change in Duduza known for his association with Imbumba and the Jobe Foundation.

He was one of the dignitaries present at the event, where he spoke about the town’s rich history and the infinite possibilities available for the recipients. He emphasized the importance of taking action and encouraged himself and the other dignitaries to do more, contribute positively, and remember their roots. Gumede urged everyone to take pride in being from Duduza and to actively participate in the community’s growth and development.

Zodwa Davids (42), one of the Call Center recipients, expressed her gratitude for the program. She heard about the program from hearsay and decided to register and hope for the best.
“I want to show my neighbors that even at my age you can still gain new skills, this is just the beginning for me.”

The Duduza Development Center is a beacon of hope, offering free courses that empower individuals with verifiable certificates to transform their futures.

Partnering with SANCA, it stands firmly against the significant challenges of substance abuse, striving to promote health and mental well-being in the community.

This inspiring program is wholly dependent on sponsors and donors, whose contributions make a lasting impact on the lives it touches.