The contribution of skills development in a community care centre in Limpopo Province: the Mamvuka case study.

Abstract

There are skills gaps among the youth. The Department of Social Development (DSD), in partnership with the German Development Bank, constructed the Mamvuka Community Care Centre (CCC). The study aimed to assess the skills development contribution of the community care centre. This paper employed a qualitative research approach grounded in the SocioEcological Model and Human Capital Theory. Document analysis, interviews, and focus group discussions were used to collect data from 37 participants. The study found that the soft skills implemented at Mamvuka CCC are social and behaviour change programmes and life skills while the hard skills, involve production of vegetables, beadwork, and traditional bangles. The skills development programme presently implemented at Mamvuka CCC does not contribute to improving the socio-economic conditions of young people. To ensure that youth can eventually become entrepreneurs and employable, the Department of Social Development and development partners should collaborate and implement accredited soft and vocational skills as part of future programming.