JB Marks Municipality Certifies 106 in Food Handling for Economic Empowerment
- Karen Scheepers
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
The JB Marks Local Municipality's Department of Local Economic & Rural Development hosted a significant skills development event on 11 December, with the W&RSETA Food Handling Certificate Award Ceremony taking place at the Potchefstroom Town Hall. The ceremony celebrated the success of community members from both the Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp regions who had completed the vital Food Handling program.
A total of 106 beneficiaries were awarded certificates for their dedication and hard work. This achievement marks a substantial step toward enhancing skills and fostering economic growth within the local community.
Strategic Partnerships for Skills Development
The certificate award ceremony was the result of a strong partnership between key stakeholders, underscoring a shared commitment to developing marketable skills and creating opportunities for economic participation.
The initiative was delivered in collaboration with:
W&RSETA (Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority)
SMPC Solutions
Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District Municipal Health Services
These partnerships are crucial as they combine municipal reach with sector-specific expertise and health standards guidance, ensuring the training is relevant, accredited, and directly applicable to the needs of the food service and retail sectors.
Advancing Economic Empowerment
The municipality views the investment in these skills as a direct contribution to the national vision of "A Nation That Works For All" and aligns perfectly with the objectives of the National Development Plan (NDP). The Food Handling Certificate equips participants with essential knowledge regarding food safety, hygiene, and handling procedures, making them highly valuable employees or enabling them to start their own compliant food-related businesses. By providing certified training, the JB Marks Municipality is directly addressing local economic challenges by boosting employability and entrepreneurship.
The MMC for Local Economic and Rural Development, Cllr. Melverine Davis, delivered the keynote address, extending her "heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates". She highlighted that the successful completion of the training and the receipt of official certificates "marks a significant step toward skill development and economic growth in our community".
Essential Health Guidance for Business
A vital component of the ceremony was the input provided by the Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District Municipal Health Services. The health services representatives rendered remarks advising on the "necessary health requirements one should follow when conducting and running food related businesses". This guidance is critical for the newly certified individuals, ensuring that their newly acquired skills are put into practice in a manner that complies with all public health regulations. Compliance with health requirements not only protects consumers but also ensures the sustainability and credibility of local food enterprises.
Fostering a Skilled Workforce for the Future
The successful award of 106 Food Handling Certificates underscores the JB Marks Local Municipality's dedication to developing a skilled, certified workforce ready to contribute meaningfully to the local economy. By investing in practical, sector-specific training, the municipality is laying a firm foundation for economic empowerment, securing better livelihood opportunities for its residents, and enhancing the overall quality and safety of food services in the Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp regions.
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