Council applauded for youth vocational training programmes

Bulawayo City Council has been applauded for empowering young people through its vocational training programmes, with councillors praising the growing number of youths graduating with practical life skills.


According to the latest council minutes under the Community Services Section Monthly Report, Councillor Aleck Ndlovu commended the city for expanding opportunities for young people through its training centres.

“In 2025, 240 youths had graduated from various courses offered at these centres,” the minutes noted. Ndlovu also thanked partners such as Plan International and the Vendors Association for sponsoring courses including solar installation and garment making.

Councillor Thamani Moyo supported the call for expansion, saying recruitment numbers should be increased to accommodate more youths.

“All Council’s empty buildings should be converted to training centres. Vocational training staff should be doubled and more courses offered. Council’s community halls were no longer user friendly,” she said.

She added that there was a need to create space for lactating mothers at training facilities.

Councillor Melisa Mabeza said vocational training centres were also needed in low‑density suburbs, noting that one ideal facility in Ward 4 had been turned into a church. She said Tshaka Vocational Training Centre was overwhelmed by demand.

However, Councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu raised concerns about corruption and nepotism in the recruitment process.

“Youths from disadvantaged families were not considered. There were a lot of corruption activities. Youths who failed to pay bribes were tossed around. This situation was also similar in the recruitment of student interns. Council cashiers were also engaging in corrupt activities,” he said, calling for strict enforcement of the Code of Conduct.

Responding to the concerns, Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo said Council was prioritising vocational training as part of efforts to fight drug and substance abuse among youths.

She highlighted that several organisations had partnered with Council to strengthen training programmes, including Plan International, which recently constructed markets in Ward 19 for the sale of fresh farm produce.

“The issues raised would be investigated,” the minutes stated.