Limpopo Phakana Hlabirwa MEC Rachoene Champions Youth Empowerment with R26.9 Million Apprenticeship Launch at Peter Mokaba Stadium

Mpho Dube
Jun 24
2 min read

Phakana Hlabirwa MEC for Public Works, Roads & Infrastructure Tonny Rachoene addresses 210 new apprentices and learners at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. With R26.9 million invested through MERSETA & Construction SETA, Limpopo’s 7th Administration is turning Youth Month into real skills, real jobs, and real infrastructure. “Your success will inspire many other young people,” he told the youth. #BuildingLimpopo #EPWP #YouthMonth #ANCAtWork #LDPWRI_ — *Phakana Hlabirwa* MEC for Public Works, Roads & Infrastructure Tonny Rachoene addresses 210 new apprentices and learners at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. With R26.9 million invested through MERSETA & Construction SETA, Limpopo’s 7th Administration is turning Youth Month into real skills, real jobs, and real infrastructure. “Your success will inspire many other young people,” he told the youth. #BuildingLimpopo #EPWP #YouthMonth #ANCAtWork #LDPWRI_

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief

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Polokwane, 24 June 2026– The New Peter Mokaba Stadium auditorium was filled with hope and purpose today as Limpopo MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure and ANC Provincial Head of Communication, Tonny Rachoene, officially welcomed 210 young apprentices and learners into the built environment sector.

Accompanied by Member of the Legislature and ANCYL Limpopo Provincial Chairperson Faith Sebopela, MEC Rachoene unveiled a R26.9 million skills investment partnership with MERSETA and Construction SETA that will see young people trained as electricians, welders, fitters, plumbers, carpenters, and more.

“As the ANC-led seventh administration, we are not merely ticking boxes in terms of youth empowerment,” MEC Rachoene declared. “This is a deliberate investment in skills, employment, economic growth, and a brighter future for all.”

The 210 cohort includes 100 apprentices through MERSETA in trades like Electrical, Welding, Fitting, and Diesel Mechanic, and 110 learners through CETA in Bricklaying, Painting, Carpentry, Plumbing, and Community House Building. Crucially, all districts in Limpopo are represented, ensuring fair and inclusive access.

Addressing the youth directly, the MEC said: “You are the future artisans, technicians, supervisors, project managers, and industry leaders who will build a stronger South Africa. Embrace this opportunity with dedication, discipline, and determination.”

The programme goes beyond technical skills. Learners will receive Enterprise Development workshops to prepare them for entrepreneurship before their contracts expire, building sustainable pathways into business.

MEC Rachoene also highlighted broader departmental wins: 590 new permanent personnel appointed in 18 months, 350 of whom are young people. By July 2026, another 238 staff will be added, with 143 new posts already approved for the 2026/27 financial year to energize 36 road infrastructure cost-centres.

The event took place during Youth Month, reinforcing the province’s commitment under Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba that “no young person is left behind due to a lack of access to skills development, training, or economic opportunities.”

“Together, let us continue building a capable, skilled, and empowered generation that will drive South Africa’s development forward,” MEC Rachoene concluded.