Free learner’s licence programme boosts career prospects for youth in Ward 100

In efforts to upskill young people by equipping them with a qualification to take them one step closer to mobility and in doing so, improve their career prospects, Ward 100 councillor Sean Stacey initiated and launched the ward's learner’s licence programme.

The programme, launched in February this year, entailed giving 35 young people residing in areas in the ward the opportunity to obtain their learner’s licenses for free; an initiative made possible by the City of Cape Town through its ward allocation funding.

Ward 100 areas include Anchorage Park, Broadlands, Cassablanca, Gordon’s Bay, Gustrouw, Harbour Island, Harmony Park, Mountain Side, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Southfork and Temperance Town.

Mr Stacey said initially there was space to accommodate 35 participants, but some dropped out, and in the end, only 19 continued with the programme and passed the test.

These successful participants were present during the official handover of certificates celebrating this milestone during the learner's licence awards ceremony held in Gordon’s Bay earlier this week. 

Mr Stacey said that after the idea for the programme came to him, the registration drive to enroll participants started in February this year, with public notices issued and circulated on social media platforms calling on qualifying participants to enroll in the programme.

The eligibility criteria for participants were to reside in Ward 100, be between the ages of 18 and 35, have a minimum schooling level of Grade 10, and, most importantly, be unemployed.  

“We started this initiative in February with the aim to empower young unemployed individuals by giving them the essential skills and qualifications needed to enhance their employability and independence through obtaining their learners,” said Mr Stacey.

The programme entailed four days of learners’ classes presented by the He and She Driving Academy, and then facilitating and covering the administration costs for participants to write the test.

Mr Stacey said they sat down to write the test in March and April.

He said feedback from participants received at the learner’s licence awards ceremony held in Gordon’s Bay this week was mainly positive and filled with gratitude.

“They were very grateful and glad that someone took the initiative to help them along on their journey in taking ownership of their futures,” said Mr Stacey.

One of those who secured their learner’s licence is Allison Buys, 29, from Strand. 

“It was my first attempt at getting my learner's licence, and I must tell people that it's not as hard as people make it out to be. You need to obviously study hard and put the effort in, but the classes helped a lot," she said.

She said her mom, Emily Dennis, was very proud of her and prompted her to go and complete her driver's licence test.

“I'm trying to go do my driver's licence test, and I've asked around and found someone who lives around the corner from my house, who offers the lessons. I'm now saving money towards the R850 for the package, ” she said.

Ms Buys said she enrolled in the programme to better her chances to get a permanent job. She encouraged others to take the chance and do the test.

Mr Stacey said the impact of the programme will be make a practical difference to youth seeking employment.

“I think having a learner’s licence is very important for young people entering the job market, because nowadays jobs of all kinds expect applicants to have a driver’s license, and not having this can block them from getting meaningful employment. This is the first step in assisting them to get to that goal,” he said.

Mr Stacey asked local businesses to come on board and consider sponsoring the next step in funding young participants to obtain their driver’s licences.

He said: “I want to put out a call to our businesses to help our young people by sponsoring the process to obtain their drivers license’s and help them better their chances to get jobs. They can put it down as a tax-deductible contribution to charity.”

Those who are interested in assisting with the programme can contact him at 061 604 2165 or send an email to Sean.Stacey@capetown.gov.za