Amathole District Municipality (ADM), partnered with the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA), the South African Media Development and Diversity Agency (SAMDDRA), First National Bank (FNB), and Revival Technologies and Academy to officially launch the Cellphone Repairs Training Pilot Program on 20 March 2025

Posted: 25 March 2025

Held at the Dutywa Animal Pound in Skiti Village, Ward 1, Mbhashe Local Municipality, the program followed an application process that closed on 25 February 2025, selecting 20 beneficiaries to participate.

Running from March to May 2025, the program aims to equip young people in Mbhashe Local Municipality with accredited cellphone repair skills, a means to foster job creation and empower youth with technical expertise.
The launch event was attended by key stakeholders, including Mbhashe LM Corporate Services Portfolio Head, Cllr. Nolumanyano Ngomthi, Ward 1's Cllr Ayabonga Tyatyaza Ngomthi, SAMDDRA's Ms. Pamella Madalela and Revival Technologies Software Developer and Program Trainer, Mr Piet Sebanda, and officials from the district and the local municipality.

Speaking at the launch, ADM Spatial Planning and Economic Development (SPED) Head of Department, Ms Zolisa Xabadiya emphasised the importance of equipping youth with practical skills.
"A skill gained never expires; it will always be at your disposal for your use and benefit."

Reflecting from the Freedom Charter principle "The doors of knowledge and culture shall be open" Mbhashe LM Executive Mayor Cllr. Samkelo Janda described the program as a strategic intervention to curb youth migration from Mbhashe by imparting knowledge and driving a skills revolution. He highlighted the goal as that of transforming beneficiaries into job creators rather than job seekers.

Mr. Sivenkosi Lathetha who is one of the trainees, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, "This program, with its accreditation, will enhance the professional image of our cooperatives and give credibility to the skills we acquire." he stated

Concluding the event, ADM Mayoral Committee Member and SPED Portfolio Head Cllr. Xhanti Mngxaso celebrated the initiative's alignment with local economic development priorities, urging beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity:
"What we are witnessing here is the true purpose of LED. Do not waste this chance", he said.

The launch of the Cellphone Repairs Training Pilot Program marks a significant step toward youth empowerment and economic sustainability in the district, reinforcing ADM's commitment to skills development and job creation.