Lusaka City Council (LCC) has called on vocational training institutions to adhere to documentation and accreditation requirements before issuing acceptance letters to beneficiaries of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Skills Development Bursary.
Council Public Relations Manager, Chola Mwamba, said the authority has observed that some training facilities are issuing provisional acceptance letters without meeting the necessary regulatory standards.
Ms. Mwamba stated that this practice disadvantages prospective students and disrupts the smooth implementation of the CDF Skills Development component.
“Only duly registered and compliant institutions, recognized by relevant regulatory authorities such as TEVETA, should process and issue official acceptance letters to CDF beneficiaries, to safeguard public resources and protect students from enrolling in institutions that may not meet prescribed training standards,” Ms. Mwamba emphasized.
“The City Council is committed to ensuring that the CDF Skills Development Bursary remains a transformative initiative designed to empower youths and vulnerable members of the community with practical skills that enhance employability and entrepreneurship.”
Ms. Mwamba noted that strict adherence to documentation and accreditation requirements will ensure transparency, accountability, and value for money in the utilization of public funds.
“By enforcing these measures, the Council seeks to strengthen the credibility of the CDF programme, enhance the quality of skills training, and ultimately contribute to sustainable economic growth and improved livelihoods within the city,” she said.
She also urged beneficiaries to verify the status of training institutions before accepting placement offers and encouraged institutions to work closely with the Council to ensure full compliance.
“Through its Planning Department, Public Relations Unit, and Audit Unit, the Council has been conducting headcounts in various skills training centres to ensure resources are prudently utilized,” she added.
