IN an effort to reduce crime and unemployment among the young people of Mdantsane, the City’s urban renewal unit has initiated a project to teach these youngsters to drive.

Being able to drive should increase their chances of finding jobs.

The project has grown out of the Quality of Life survey conducted by the Mdantsane Urban Renewal Programme (Murp) unit in 2007. It identified unemployment, skills development and training as some of the key challenges facing young people in the township.

In response, Murp has joined the Buffalo City Youth Driving Licence Project, which aims to give young people the opportunity to get their learners’ and driving licences so that they meet the requirements for employment.

Speaking to the beneficiaries of the initiative, the Murp portfolio councillor, Luntu Bobo, thanked the unit for its work in getting the project off the ground. “I am happy that this programme is finally taking off because since joining Murp in 2006 it has been my dream to see something of this nature done for our young people.”

Bobo said that about 60 disadvantaged out-of-school, unemployed youth in Mdantsane would benefit from this project.

One of the beneficiaries, who lives in Ward 14, said it would have a significant effect, increasing his chances of finding work.

“I am grateful that Murp embarked on such an initiative. I was disadvantaged for a long time because of not having a driving licence. I would really like to express the pleasure I derive from being part of this project,” he said.

Each beneficiary will have two chances to write the learners’ licence test and two another chances to get their driving licence. The project will run for three months.