KNYSNA NEWS - A group of 100 newly trained plumbing graduates received toolkits at the Hornlee Civic Centre on Friday 6 March after completing a Basic Plumbing Skills Training Programme facilitated by the Department of Water and Sanitation.

While the event marked a proud milestone for the graduates, it was also tinged with sadness as attendees paused to honour Zolile Simawo, who had passed away that same day.

Simawo, a deputy director in the department, was instrumental in initiating the programme and had been listed on the official programme as one of the key contributors to the event. His commitment to skills development and community empowerment helped lay the foundation for the initiative.

The training forms part of the Section 154 Support Plan and was implemented through a partnership between the Department of Water and Sanitation, Lixil Africa and Asivikelani, in collaboration with Knysna Municipality.

The initiative aims to equip young people, women and persons living with disabilities with practical plumbing skills that can open up economic opportunities while helping communities safeguard water resources.

In addition to receiving certificates, each graduate was presented with a fully equipped toolbox, enabling them to immediately apply their newly acquired skills.

Addressing the graduates, Knysna Mayor Thando Matika highlighted the importance of sustained skills development.

“This shows that when we invest consistently in skills development, we build a pipeline of skilled community members who can contribute to the growth and development of our town,” he said.

Matika added that programmes such as these also assist the municipality in addressing water losses caused by leaks, damaged plumbing systems and ageing infrastructure.

For many of the beneficiaries, the toolkits symbolise not only the tools of a trade, but also opportunity, responsibility and a pathway to a more sustainable future.

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