KATHU. Kumba Iron Ore and service partner Be-Safe Africa, continue to produce graduates through accredited portable skills training programmes.
Providing training in disciplines such as Carpentry, Plumbing, Welding, Bricklaying, Paving and Tiling, the six–month long programme empowers youth within host communities, positioning them to enter the labour market or venture into entrepreneurship. Since its inception in 2023, the programme has produced over 400 skilled graduates through the Tshipi Skills Training Centre in Kathu, the Mika Street Portable Skills Centre in Postmasburg and the Be-Safe Africa Academy in Kuruman, equipping participants with accredited portable skills qualifications upon completion.
Congratulating the recent group of graduates, Francois van Loggerenberg, Principal Learning Delivery at Kumba Iron Ore expressed excitement regarding the future of the graduates. “This programme has equipped our graduates with tangible skills to make a direct impact within their communities and families. I am excited and proud to learn that some of our graduates have already found employment opportunities.
Our portable skills programme includes soft skills modules such as basic computer and finance skills, enabling learners to thrive. Congratulations to the graduates on achieving this milestone.”
As part of the graduation ceremony, the students received high-quality toolboxes equipped with tools specific to their trades, immediately positioning them to start earning an income. “Thank you to Kumba for providing us with this opportunity”, said Puseletso Sechogela – programme graduate and student representative. “We learned a lot through the training we received as part of the programme participants.
I am fortunate that after completing the programme, B-Safe Africa gave me an employment opportunity to join their team. I hope that Kumba will continue to open doors for people within our communities.”
Kumba Iron Ore communication
Photo: Francois van Loggerenberg congratulates the portable skills training programme graduates.
