Launch of the Blikkiesdorp project

From Left to right: Bradley Schrikker (FBC), Deidre Davids (ACSA), Deon Cloete (ACSA), Karin Hendricks (FBC), Mayor de Lille, Christiana Nel (FBC ) and Alderman Qually (College Council)

This heart-warming launch was attended by the Mayor of Cape Town; Patricia de Lille, Deon Cloete; General Manager of ACSA representatives of False Bay College Council, College Management, the Blikkiesdorp Community members and the students beneficiaries.

ACSA initiated this project to train residents from Blikkiesdorp who have been enrolled for various courses including a National Certificate in Community House Building and Modular Training in Bricklaying. The courses’ duration ranges between 3 and 12 months.

The first set of eager recruits from Blikkiesdorp started their training at Westlake campus 27 September 2017. With these training opportunities and the qualifications residents will receive, they will be empowered and improve their chances of finding work opportunities, become active participants in our economy and earn an income for their families.

A key partner in this initiative, ACSA has invested R5million in this multi million rand skills project. An equally important partner and as part of its strategy to expand access to unemployed youth, the False Bay TVET College applied to the Construction SETA (CETA) for funding to support training in the Civil and Construction trades. The CETA awarded a grant of more than R6 million to the College of which a considerable portion is dedicated to the Blikkiesdorp Community’s training.

ACSA general manager, Deon Cloete said: “This is a programme that we are especially proud of as it provides the opportunity for people to be skilled hence making them employable. It enables the community to build their own homes, by the community, for the community.

The bigger picture is that individuals on the programme, demonstrating potential will be further developed as entrepreneurs, enabling small business development and a vehicle of future employment for others. “False Bay College believes that a successful TVET College will have as its foundation, partnerships with industry and the public sector. This exciting training initiative will empower and provide employment and self-employment opportunities for the Blikkiesdorp community. Public-private partnership initiatives of this nature can play” said: Mr Cassie Kruger CEO and Principal of False Bay TVET College

“The City of Cape Town is truly proud of this initiative which will empower so many residents. I am especially proud of the fact that 43 out of the 91 recruits are women from Blikkiesdorp who have enrolled in the courses. I commend and thank ACSA and the False Bay TVET College for their investment and commitment to partnering with the City for progress and to empower residents who need our help most.” Mayor de Lille said.