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Learnership promises come to nought for youths

BUILDING BLOCKS: Construction trainees do practical work as part of their learnership programme in Thembisa. Pic: Veli Nhlapo. 05/10/2009. © Sowetan.
BUILDING BLOCKS: Construction trainees do practical work as part of their learnership programme in Thembisa. Pic: Veli Nhlapo. 05/10/2009. © Sowetan.

In July this year Sello Thobedi and 69 other youths from Thembisa, in Ekurhuleni, were recruited by Thakeithara Consultancy for a one-year Sector Education and Training Authority construction learnership that would guarantee them jobs.

Almost three months later the training and the promised R1000 stipend have not materialised.

They now accuse Phindi Radebe of Thakeithara Consultancy of sending them from pillar to post when they ask her about the training and the stipend.

Thobedi and his peers were recruited from an Umsobomvu volunteer list and signed contracts in August.

"The first warning sign was when Radebe asked us in August to sign contracts backdated to May. We were desperate for a qualification and job opportunities so we turned a blind eye," said Ntokoane Malapse.

Radebe has now allegedly told them that she is handing over her Seta tender to another company as she is leaving the province.

The trainees said their problems started when just after two weeks, Radebe stopped them from attending classes with Training Force, a training provider.

Radebe refused to talk to Sowetan.

Construction Education and Training Authority spokesperson Badumile Duma said if the trainees have not been paid, the Seta would take legal action against the consultancy.

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