AN EXCITING opportunity has been launched in Gauteng for the disadvantaged youth.
The Gauteng government has launched a youth empowerment programme to empower youth with free learner's licences.
According to the Department of Roads and Transport head of communications Melita Madiba, this marks the start of October Transport Month.
She said the Gauteng government, in partnership with the leading spirits company Diageo South Africa, presents this exciting opportunity to bridge the unemployment gap and foster responsible attitudes towards alcohol use.
Themed "Wrong Side of the Road," the campaign aims to assist the youth with administrative fees for securing learner's licences. Participants need to be between the ages of 17-34 years and should reside in TISH (Townships, Informal Settlements and Hostels) in Gauteng.
The target of the project is 40 000 youth, and the department has received more than 130 000 responses since Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced the project in August 2023.
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Lesufi said empowering Gauteng's youth with free learner's licences is a dual-purpose endeavour, and it's the first phase towards obtaining a driver's licence, which enhances employability.
"Additionally, this initiative actively promotes responsible driving during the learning stage, hopefully improving road safety, particularly against drinking and driving," said Lesufi.
In partnership with the Gauteng Economic Development Department, 10 000 of the 40 000 learner's licence opportunities will be reserved for motorbike licences to support Project LastMile.
The Last-Mile project aims to licence, train, mentor, and connect young people to job opportunities.
Corporate relations director at Diageo South Africa, Sibani Mngadi, said: "This initiative aligns with our 10-year sustainability action plan - Society 2030: Spirit of Progress, and reflects our commitment to positive change in attitudes towards impaired driving."
