eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba has launched a state-of-the-art Human Capital Centre of Excellence, designed to uplift and empower the area’s youth in Nagina, near Mariannridge.
The centre, which officially opened on June 27, aims to tackle youth unemployment, bridge the digital divide, and offer a lifeline to one of the city’s most socio-economically challenged communities.
“This centre will empower the youth with the skills and knowledge to shape their own destinies and contribute meaningfully to the City’s growth. It is a hub of innovation and a launchpad for the leaders of tomorrow,” said Mayor Xaba.
The centre includes a computer lab.
The facility includes a fully equipped computer lab with 15 computers, free Wi-Fi, and access to the City’s e-Recruitment Portal, a vital gateway to employment opportunities and career development.
Sixteen-year-old Precious Mtolo, one of the centre’s first users, described the launch as a turning point for her peers and herself. “We did not have the tools or access to computers and other youth-related services in this community. I finally feel like I have a chance to build a future right here in my own community,” she said.
Mayor Xaba stressed the symbolic weight of launching such a facility in Nagina, saying it was “not just opening a building, but the doors to a better future.”
He added: “This represents our unwavering commitment to inclusive growth, digital empowerment, and community transformation.”
The centre will offer training in digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness programmes tailored to the needs of the modern economy. It forms part of a broader network of 30 Centres of Excellence across eThekwini, with plans underway to expand the initiative to all Sizakala Centres.
While the focus was on hope and opportunity, the Mayor also urged community members to protect the centre. “We must all take responsibility to safeguard the centre against vandalism and criminal activity,” he said.
For many young people in Nagina, the centre represents more than a service, it’s a step toward dignity, empowerment, and belonging in a city striving to be inclusive and future-ready.
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