The training programme helps individuals to focus on their goal of obtaining a drivers licence and not the expenses, by covering the cost to book their test dates, have their photographs taken for the testing appointment, driving lessons to ensure their preparedness for the test, and hiring of a vehicle for the day of the driver’s test. Approximately 23 beneficiaries from in and around the Wesbank area stand to benefit from this programme.

‘This project is a prime example of our commitment to deliver services and empower our residents, especially young people. The project has helped to bring hope to unskilled individuals as most of them do not have a formal qualification, or the necessary skills to seek employment,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Management, Alderman Grant Twigg.

Two young participants in the City’s Code 8 driver training programme are now in pole position, after having obtained their drivers licences recently. The two beneficiaries, 21-year old Aneeqa Kiel, and 28-year old Lucian Jacobs, were part of the first intake in Oceanview. They joined the group in Wesbank, overjoyed with their success and are looking forward to reaping the benefits of having a drivers licence.

‘We are already seeing positive yields from this programme. I would like to congratulate Aneeqa and Lucian on obtaining their drivers licence. As we celebrate Youth Month, their success should serve as a source of inspiration to other young people. I wish them the best of luck but caution them to obey the rules of the road.

To deliver on our commitment to build an opportunity city we need to walk the talk now, and through this project we are giving individuals a hand-up to access a basic skill, which will in turn assist them to become more marketable for employment.

This is one of the many projects being implemented by the Mayor’s Urban Regeneration Programme (MURP) to reverse the socio economic challenges, by empowering individuals, one driver at a time. The challenges faced by communities are brought about by poverty, high rates of unemployment and crime in the areas.

‘When this project was put together, we looked at it through the eyes of our beneficiaries to determine what they would need, from start to finish. It would’ve been pointless to provide financial assistance to only cover a portion of the costs. What would happen to the individual thereafter, as many cannot afford to pay for a driving lesson, let alone all the months of lessons needed to be ‘road-ready’ for their test. Therefore, this project will play a critical role in assisting the individual learner driver holistically to achieve their driver’s license,’ said Alderman Twigg.

The project will be rolled-out further to other areas in the coming months.

Youth interested in participating in the programme can contact their Ward Councillor for more details.

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