Tjeka Empowers Toekomsrus Youth Brick by Brick

At the end of 2025, more than 50 youth from the Toekomsrus community completed a Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA)-registered bricklaying course via Tjeka.

The group is the latest to have successfully completed the programme. Tjeka’s high-impact bricklaying course aligns with the South African Qualifications Authority’s (SAQA) requirements.

Holders of this SAQA qualification have received both quality theoretical and practical training in bricklaying. This is complemented by other unit standards that impart the knowledge required to function at optimal levels on a modern building project.

The graduation ceremony was attended by Thembi Simelane, Honourable Minister of Human Settlements; Tasneem Motara, Member of the Executive Council; and Tamlyn Bouwer, Chief Executive Officer of the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC).

Simelane praised the graduates for their exceptional performance, rated at 95% by final competency assessments.

“Brickwork is often the first visible indicator of a home’s structural integrity,” she said, noting the exceptionally high quality of skills transferred. “Your training is accredited at National Qualifications Framework Level 3, ensuring that your skills are recognised, respected, and portable within South Africa and beyond.”

Motara noted that the future of housing and infrastructure depended on skilled, ethical, and purpose-driven youth. “Notably, there were no dropouts from the initial enrolment in June, with all of the students successfully completing the programmes,” she said.

Bouwer said that the construction industry was being strengthened by the entry of new, skilled professionals. “To every graduate, the industry is better with you in it. Now go and build,” she said.

Frans Toua, Chief Executive Officer of Tjeka, said, “Your achievements speak to your commitment, discipline, and determination to build a better future for yourselves,” said Frans Toua, Chief Executive Officer of Tjeka. “If you stay focused and motivated, you will succeed.”