1. The training programs undertaken by SAOIC play a critical role in helping to create jobs and increase employment opportunities for disadvantaged youth here in Pietermaritzburg. My country is proud to support this important development activity.
2. I would like to wish the South African Opportunities Industrialization Centers a HAPPY FOURTH ANNIVERSARY. Director Vasco Seleoane tells me that SA OIC opened their doors for business in October 1996. May you have many more productive years in contributing positively to the eradication of unemployment in this region.
3. The training provided by SA OIC is vitally important. It provides an opportunity for young adults--men and women--to gain trade skills that prepare them for employment. The skills courses offered here are in high demand, such as building construction, electrical wiring and carpentry.
4. I am very impressed by the flexibility of some of the programs here and the willingness by the tutors to reach out to those learners who need instruction in their mother tongue, Zulu. This is one of the key aspects that makes the program work so well.
5. Centers like OIC help South Africa to reverse skills shortages and unemployment by creating access to the type of training required in the marketplace. And the courses equip youth to become competitive in economic development at community levels. Mrs. Lewis and I are particularly pleased to see so many women participating in the courses here, so they can improve their potential to pursue positions that will meet their aspirations
6. I would also like to use this opportunity to commend Reverend Leon Sullivan, and the then Minister of Public Works, Jeff Radebe. In this instance we can refer to these two pioneers as entrepreneurs for taking the lead in making this venture work and become successful. USAID provided seed funding to help start SA OIC and continues to provide support today. This is a significant partnership between the S.A and the U.S. through government and non-governmental organizations who all mobilized resources to address skills training for disadvantaged young people.
7. On behalf of the U.S. government, I thank you all for giving us an opportunity to visit your program, meet some of your students and for being available to share with us your experiences, successes and challenges.
8. My sincere gratitude goes to the Mayor, Mr. Siphiwe Gwala; the SA OIC Board, and all SA OIC partners who are here today. Your participation is an expression of your commitment, leadership and support to the training opportunities and needs of people in this region.
Thank you.
