MyJHB

Stuff from Johannesburg

50 Learners Now Legally on the Roads

Johannesburg: Recognising that employability extends beyond academic achievement, Hyundai Automotive South Africa has empowered 50 young learners by covering the full cost of obtaining their learner’s and driver’s licences.

The initiative forms part of Hyundai’s Youth Empowerment Service (YES) structured workplace development programme. The learnerships provides learners with skills training, mentorship and practical work experience across the company’s nationwide dealerships as well as its Head Office operations.

CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa, Stanley Anderson said the company recognised the link between mobility and economic opportunity.

“In today’s competitive job market, a driver’s licence has become an essential credential that can significantly enhance access to employment opportunities. By removing financial barriers to licensing, we are complementing their academic qualifications with licenses to improve their prospects for employability.”

Christine Masinga, Human Resources Director at Hyundai Automotive South Africa said the initiative strengthens the company’s investment in youth development. “Our learners are already gaining workplace exposure and mentorship from teams across Hyundai. We identified licence acquisition as another critical life skill that could significantly improve their future prospects,” she said.

Among those benefiting from the programme is Tshiamo Sedikane who said she initially did not think getting a driver’s license was a priority.

“Before joining Hyundai, I did not think obtaining a driver’s license was a priority as I was more focusing on learning and gaining operational workplace skills. Obtaining the driver’s license has given me confidence and contributed to helping me execute my tasks efficiently,” she said.

The support comes at a time when millions of South African youths remain without driver’s licences due to financial and social barriers. The total cost to obtain a driver’s license including driving school lessons costs, typically range from R3,000 and R4,000 for a Code B (light motor vehicle).

Transport data indicates that between 70% and 80% of young South Africans do not possess a valid driver’s licence.

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Constitution Hill: Precinct

The precinct is divided into several harrowing sections. The Old Fort was primarily reserved for white male prisoners, with the notable exception of Nelson Mandela, who was held in its hospital wing in 1962 because authorities deemed him too influential to be housed with the general black population. Nearby is Number Four, the “Native Gaol,” which is perhaps the most visceral part of the museum. Built in 1904, it was designed to break the spirit of black men. Visitors today can see the isolation cells (called emakhulukhuthu or “the deep dark hole”) and learn about the “Tausa” dance—a humiliating search ritual where naked prisoners were forced to jump and clap to prove they weren’t hiding contraband. The Women’s Jail, a Victorian-style brick building, tells the stories of women like Daisy de Melker (South Africa’s most famous murderess) alongside political icons who were often arrested for “crimes” as simple as brewing beer or not having their passbooks.