“The programme will not only provide local labour and local SMMEs with the necessary skills to optimally partake in the forthcoming N2WCR opportunities but will also enhance road safety for both through traffic, local traffic and non-motorised traffic utilising the N2WCTR,” said Gcobani Socenywa, SANRAL project manager.
SANRAL’s SMME training programmes in Mbizana, Lusikisiki and Port St. Johns is empowering 31 local business owners of construction SMMEs and new startups (CIDB levels 1 – 3). SANRAL has appointed three training service providers tasked to primarily train, mentor and develop learner sub-contractors.
Following stakeholder consultation and candidate selection, the business owners selected to the programme will be provided with National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 3, 4 and 5 training, leading to a full learnership, which is an official qualification accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The programme will also be inclusive of a selective training to CIDB grading 3-6 local SMMEs.
SANRAL is also preparing local labour forces for these SMMEs. An additional 330 individuals will be trained to help create a local skilled and semi-skilled labour force for the N2WCR. SMMEs that employ their own labour from local communities will also be supported as labour forces will receive accredited training.
“The programme’s ultimate goal will ensure that SMME’s benefit and participate in forthcoming Mtentu and Msikaba mega bridge, the new greenfields section and legacy projects such as road maintenance of the N2WCR,” said Socenywa.
As part of their practical training, the business owners will be responsible for upgrading and constructing community access roads in Ingquza Hill Local Municipality, Mbizana Local Municipality and Port St. Johns Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape.
“Business owners are attending business management, tendering skills and financial management training. We have included these modules because we want to create sustainable, capable and empowered road construction SMMEs and startups,” said Socenywa.
“Later this year, we will move into the theoretical dimension of road construction and a practical component through community access roads. In this regard, the SMMEs and startups will be responsible for building storm water drainage system, upgrade roads from gravel to surface standard, construction of sidewalks and concrete pavement works,” he said.
Said Daliwonga Sibeni of Ngxathi Trading Enterprises in Mbizana: “This project will help me create work for people in an area where almost 85% of youth are unemployed. This project will boost tourism in the area and create much-needed jobs.”
