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GARDEN ROUTE SKILLS MECCA PROGRAMME
The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) is a visionary programme of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM). It seeks to transform the Garden Route district in the Western Cape, South Africa, into a hub of skills development for specific skills and expertise endemic to the Garden Route. These skills must support job creation and socioeconomic growth.
GRSM was established in response to the region's increasing need for skills to be aligned to the local job-market, and it now harnesses local expertise and resources to foster sustainable career development. This initiative is supported by a range of funding partners that includes, amongst others, the Sector Education Training Authorities and National Skills Fund.
The GRSM is strategically aligned with the national District Development Model (known as the Joint District Metro Approach in the Western Cape). The programme is directly linked to the region's Growth and Development Strategy.
Central to the GRSM's vision and mission are ten resolutions formulated during three multistakeholder Skills Summits held in 2018, 2019 and 2023. These resolutions focus on enhancing collaboration, coordination and integration among district skills development players, leveraging digital infrastructure for cuttingedge learning, linking skills development with economic opportunities, and emphasising renewable energy in all projects.
The GRSM is also committed to engaging with local businesses, educational institutions, and retired professionals to build a robust educational and economic environment.
The initiative has already made significant progress, securing over R120 million investment into workbased learning opportunities that will benefit over 2 000 unemployed persons. To date at least 30 different projects are in the process of being rolled as part of the over Skills Mecca Programme - many more are in the pipeline.
The GRSM is a model for all other District Municipalities and even Metros to emulate as it proves that with the necessary resources, commitment and dedication across range of role players, an integrated government approach is possible.
More specific detail on the Skills Mecca can be found at https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za
