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Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth visited two Labour Activation Programme (LAP) projects in Cape Town on 02 December 2025. The oversight visit focused on training quality, beneficiary support, and whether the LAP is delivering on its commitments.
The Minister said accountability is central to the programme. “Our goal is to ensure that every beneficiary receives the services they were promised,” she noted during the visit.
LAP is one of the department’s key tools to fight unemployment by providing skills, work exposure and entrepreneurship training.
Training and entrepreneurship at TCB
The first stop was Taking Care of Business (TCB), previously known as The Clothing Bank. The project was approved in December 2024 and aims to train 1,000 people over three years. It focuses on entrepreneurship, income generation and recycling systems linked to the circular economy.
TCB does not offer stipends, but it helps participants build sustainable small businesses. Learners work with donated retail stock, gaining practical experience in buying, pricing and reselling goods. The Minister spent time speaking with participants who said the support had helped them regain confidence and direction.
One participant said the programme gave her “a second chance to stand on my own,” while another noted the value of mentorship sessions. The Minister encouraged TCB to maintain close contact with beneficiaries and track long-term results.
Progress at Furntech
The second site was the Furniture Technology Centre Trust (Furntech). Furntech specialises in technical and business training for the furniture and wood products sector. It is approved to train 36 beneficiaries. All have been recruited, and 35 remain active.
Participants demonstrated the machinery and tools they use in workshops. Several shared that the training had opened new work paths in carpentry, cabinet making and furniture restoration. The Minister said the centre plays a vital role in building scarce skills. “We need more young people entering trades that can lead to jobs or self-employment,” she said.
Ensuring accountability and impact
Officials accompanying the Minister reviewed recruitment records, training reports and progress logs. The oversight visit forms part of a national monitoring effort to strengthen the LAP and ensure public funds reach the intended communities.
The Department of Employment and Labour said the findings from today’s visit will guide future improvements. The Minister added that more follow-up visits are planned in other provinces to assess the programme’s impact and resolve gaps early.
