The Genesis Hub in Vredenburg recently had the pleasure of hosting MEC Isaac Sileku, the Western Cape Provincial Minister of Mobility, during a visit focused on exploring potential collaborations with the hub’s Drone Academy.
Sileku’s visit was a valuable opportunity to showcase the various programmes offered by the hub. He was given a demonstration by Zoe Greeff, an alumna from the first Drone Academy cohort (four years ago), who is now permanently employed by YES’s training partner as a programme manager for youth empowerment within the Drone economy. The youth participating in the Drone Academy receive equipped three-month theoretical training and nine months’ practical work experience on the 12-month YES programme. These technical skills are required to operate drones across industries for many different reasons. These include enhancing mobility, conducting surveillance, increasing operational efficiencies, improving public safety and survey mapping and many more.
The visit from Sileku highlighted the synergy between the Department of Mobility and the YES Genesis Hub’s intention to develop youth-led solutions that contribute to safer and more efficient communities.
He expressed his appreciation for the work being done and discussed the potential for future collaborations to further strengthen youth employment opportunities in the Western Cape.
The Genesis Hub remains committed to fostering such programmes as the Drone Academy, which provide youth with the tools they need to succeed, and this visit serves as a testament to the hub’s ongoing dedication to driving positive change.
