“We had to mix sand and cement, push wheelbarrows and carry bricks. The male students in our group were treating us like their equals,” said Dlamini.

Another graduate, Khethiwe Zwane, 25, from Standerton, said the course was a blessing.

“This was really a blessing for me as I’ve lost both my parents. I was just sitting at home when I saw this opportunity. Now I want to finish [building] my parents’ house and also plough back in the community. I will also take part in the building of RDP houses in my area,” said Zwane.

MEC Mahlangu said the National Youth Service was a national programme that aimed to involve young people in a disciplined process to positively contribute to the communities in which they live, while also improving their own skills, education and opportunities to generate income.

She said some of the graduates would be absorbed into the department’s workforce, while the others would further their entrepreneurial skills within the enterprise development programmes in the province.

“The beneficiaries of this programme contributed to the maintenance of public buildings while participating in an artisan training programme. We are very happy with their achievement so far,” said Mahlangu, promising that the department would prioritise women.