Graduates in Environmental Practice

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MOSSEL BAY NEWS - "There are endless opportunities for entrepreneurs in the green economy."

This is what the Mossel Bay Municipality senior manager: waste management, Sivuyile Mtila, told several young graduates on Wednesday morning.

"Every time you walk past a bottle, a stack of paper or other reusable refuse, see the opportunities and dream big."

Fourteen Mossel Bay women graduated on Wednesday, 24 July after completing a nine-month NQF Level 1 programme in Environmental Practice.

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The programme entailed both theoretical and practical components and offered the students a small stipend for the duration of their studies.

"This year the world celebrates the moon landing 50 years ago, when the now-famous words: 'One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind' were first uttered. My challenge to you is to take the leap, make the most of what you have learned and prosper," the executive mayor, Alderman Harry Levendal, said when he congratulated the graduates.

The graduation ceremony was the culmination of a study programme offered by the Department of Environmental Affairs under the supervision of the Mossel Bay Municipality. The course was facilitated by the Reflections Development Institute.

Charles Mauwerere of Reflections said the course was intended to offer opportunities to learners while ensuring poverty alleviation and income relief.

"The programme is a good example of the positive intergovernmental relations this municipality has with national departments," the mayor said. The students were identified from the municipal database and the programme, for which the municipality applied, was offered to only five local authorities in the Western Cape.

"You have now been equipped with the knowledge and practical experience necessary to make your mark in the green economy, an economy that aims at reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities, and that aims for sustainable development without degrading the environment.

"Now is your turn to celebrate the journey you have chosen, to honour the programme you were part of. May the graduation be but the seed planted in your life. Nurture it, and follow the stars," Mtila concluded.

Mayor Levendal also challenged the municipal executive management to ensure an effective exit programme follows the graduation of students so that their education results in more than merely a certificate or diploma.

The graduates with the executive mayor, Alderman Harry Levendal (front, centre), councillors Booisen and Mbolompo (front, third and second from right), municipal manager, Adv Thys Giliomee (third from left), director Elize Nel (second from left), senior manager: waste management Sivuyile Mtila (front left) and course facilitator Charles Makuwerere (front right).