The MEC for Public Works, Ms Thabitha Mohlala, urged students who are doing learnership programmes under the expanded public works programme (EPWP) in her department to work hard. If not, they will be cut off the programme, she warned.

Mohlala was addressing 572 students from the five districts across the province, namely from Sekhukhune, Mopani, Capricorn, Vhembe and Waterberg, at the Tshisimani College of Education in Tshakhuma last Wednesday.

The students are being trained in various fields such as plumbing, carpentry, painting, community house building, masonry and road works.

Mohlala emphasized that the students must work hard in order to go to the next level in the programme. "This is an opportunity of a lifetime and you must grab it with both hands. Some of us never had this kind of opportunity. You are very fortunate," she said.

She added: "We do not owe you anything, but (we are) just preparing you for your future. You are not in a marriage, but at school and must always co-operate with the coordinators. We do not want to see you starting families in this college." She warned students who missed classes that R60 a day would be deducted from their stipends and harsh actions would also be taken against students who were seen drinking alcohol at the college.

Tshisimani was established in 1942 as a teacher´s training college. The students are expected to do their practical training at the college, while at the same time renovating it. However, the college´s buildings look old and dilapidated. According to Mohlala, students will be awarded with certificates after completing their programmes.