Ubuntu Kraal officially launched the Quality Council for Trade and Occupations (QCTO) Skills Programme on Friday, 17th April 2026. This landmark five-year initiative is set to benefit 13 000 young people through accredited training across nine trades and occupations, including Beauty Therapy, Hairdressing, Landscape Design, Boilermaking, Aircraft Maintenance Mechanics, Park Ranger training, Borehole Pump Operations, Cleaning Practitioner certification, and Occupational Certificates.
Ward 39 Councillor Lefa Molise, speaking at the launch, described the programme as long overdue but welcomed it wholeheartedly. He drew attention to the reality facing many young people in the area — that unemployment is not simply a matter of there being no jobs, but that many youth are not yet equipped to enter the world of work.
“We need to be employable. Many young people are found at home, sitting unemployed, but we are not employable because we don’t skill ourselves further,” said Molise.
He cited financial constraints and social challenges as contributing factors, while emphasising that communities cannot afford to remain idle in the face of these obstacles.
“There is no enough supply of skills and there is too much demand of resolving our problems through skills development. Placement is important — that’s where the crux of the matter is.”
— Councillor Lefa Molise, Ward 39
Councillor Lefa also highlighted the mismatch between the skills available in communities and the actual demands of the labour market. He noted that while many young people aspire to office-based careers, the true shortage — and therefore the real opportunity — lies in the trades. “If you look around, the majority of the community want to be seen in offices. But if we don’t have skills and trade, we are likely to sit for a very long time, because there is not enough space in terms of administration and office work,” he said.
Ubuntu Kraal, accredited by the QCTO, will be conducting all training for the programme and is committed to ensuring that the skills delivered are relevant and in demand.
Stephen Shibanda who is the Programme co-ordinator, echoed the councillor’s sentiments and stressed that the programme’s success would ultimately be measured not by certificates handed out, but by placements secured.
“Ubuntu Kraal is proud to bring this accredited programme to Soweto. We understand that theory alone is not enough — our focus is on ensuring that every graduate is placed and contributing to the economy. This community deserves nothing less,” said Shibanda.
With registration now open, residents of Soweto are urged to come forward and seize the opportunity. For more information about this programme and how to enrol, community members can call Stephen Shibanda 076 421 8376 or visit the Ubuntu Kraal website.