THOHOYANDOU – "While South Africa has an acute shortage of skills across the spectrum, Mvelaphanda Community Skills Development Training Centre and other institutions of a similar nature are playing a meaningful role in addressing the problem of unemployment."

These were the words of the Senior General Manager in the Department of Education, Mr Mpfariseni Mukhavhuli, to the guests during the 12th diploma ceremony of the Mvelaphanda Community Skills Development Training Centre, at the Thohoyandou Town Hall on Saturday.

Mukhavhuli stated that the government will continue to give Mvelaphanda Community Skills Development Centre the necessary technical support. His words were echoed by a psychologist from the same department, Mr JG Tshifularo.

During the ceremony the Managing Director of the training centre, Mrs TE Mushathama, said when she established the centre in 1993, little did she know that it was going to be a giant training institution within a short space of time. Other people who delivered speeches during the ceremony include the representative from the Thulamela Municipality, Cllr NW Mutoti.

During the ceremony 185 successful students received their diplomas and certificates in various trades, including welding, bricklaying, electrical, auto-electrical, motor mechanic, woodwok, upholstery, carpentry, fashion designing and plumbing.