Empowering young people through skills development is crucial for fostering progressive and sustainable socioeconomic activity, and laying solid foundations within communities, and is an essential component of community upliftment, says iron-ore miner Kumba Iron Ore.  

Over a four-month period, Kumba Iron Ore’s Sishen mine has trained 46 young people from local communities through its portable skills training programme. The aim is to equip them with a diverse range of skills to create a sustainable source of income and meet their economic needs.  

Participants were offered a choice of trade disciplines, including plumbing, bricklaying, carpentry and welding – with the training provided at the Tshipi Training Centre by qualified instructors with extensive experience in each field. 

During the certificate handover ceremony, Kumba Iron Ore learning and development principal Francois van Loggerenberg congratulated the participants on completing their training and encouraged them to apply their newly acquired skills. 

“We firmly believe in empowering individuals to drive economic activity within their communities. Through this initiative, local youth have the opportunity to develop themselves and tackle unemployment. The participation of female trainees is particularly encouraging, highlighting the enthusiasm of young people in this area to acquire skills. Congratulations to all participants on completing their training. We trust this will contribute significantly to their aspirations,” he said.

As part of the programme, participants received stipends and additional basic training in computers and finance, firefighting, and first aid to ensure they are fully prepared to make a positive impact in their communities. 

Reflecting on her training experience, one of the programme graduates Keaotshepa Setlogelo – from the Kalahari Desert mining town Kathu – who specialised in plumbing, explained how the opportunity would empower her.

“The knowledge and practical experience I gained from the training will enable me to start my own small plumbing business. I intend to offer plumbing installation and repair services in my community. This training programme has provided me with the tools to upskill myself and generate an income,” she enthuses.