City and LGSETA Partner to Boost Skills Development Across Cape Town
The City of Cape Town has signed a new multi-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) to strengthen skills development, improve employment opportunities and support economic growth across the metro.
The partnership will span all 13 City directorates and support 35 education, training and development programmes. It also establishes the City’s Training Academy as an inter-municipal development hub, allowing it to provide accredited training not only for Cape Town employees but also for municipalities across the region.
The agreement places a strong emphasis on creating opportunities for groups that often face barriers to employment, including persons with disabilities, Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) participants, adult learners and entrepreneurs operating within township economies.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Alderman Theresa Uys, said the partnership reflects the City’s commitment to investing in people and equipping residents with skills that can lead to meaningful employment and economic participation.
Key initiatives under the agreement include learnerships for persons with disabilities, supported by specialised assistive technology, as well as accredited skills programmes for EPWP workers to help them transition into long-term careers. Adult Education and Training programmes will offer literacy, numeracy and functional skills from National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Levels 1 to 4.
The partnership will also support local economic development by providing training for informal traders and township entrepreneurs, while arts and culture programmes aim to help community artists gain recognised professional qualifications.
The agreement provides for joint planning between the City and LGSETA, co-funding for existing accredited programmes and full grant funding for selected pilot projects over the next three years.
By investing in practical skills and accredited training, the partnership is expected to strengthen the local workforce while creating more inclusive pathways to employment and entrepreneurship across Cape Town.