Owing to its notable success and an overwhelming demand from host communities in and around Piet Retief, in Mpumalanga, the Kangra Cadet Programme – implemented by high-quality energy coal producer Kangra – will continue in 2025.

“Kangra plans to continue with the programme for the duration of the current social and labour plan (SLP),” says Kangra stakeholder relations manager Mpfuneni Mulaudzi.

Cadets who are part of the programme receive training in roof bolting, and maintenance of underground production machinery such as shuttle cars, roof bolters and tractors among others.

Further, they also enhance their skill set by getting exposure to conveyor belts as well as electrical and mechanical elements within the underground environment.

“This programme ensures that trainees are empowered with transferable skills and experience that will assist them when seeking employment opportunities in the mining industry,” he explains.

Over the years, about 100 local youths have benefited from the programme, which has promoted skills development within Kangra’s host communities, enhancing the employability of the youth – a necessity amid the country’s high youth unemployment rate.

Mulaudzi mentions two standout cadets, Nokulunga Nkambule and Siyabonga Sengwayo, both from Donkerhoek, who joined the programme in 2022. They graduated from the programme and have progressed well in their careers. 

“Nkambule advanced from a cadet to her current role as a roof bolt operator,” he notes, adding that Sengwayo has become a continuous miner operator at the mine.

One message that Mulaudzi would like to emphasise is the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics at a secondary school level.

“We encourage high school learners to consider doing mathematics and science if they want to pursue a career in the mining industry.”

Although the cadet programme focuses on the youth from Kangra’s host communities, successful matriculants must meet the qualifying criteria.

He concludes that, as part of the mine’s SLP – which aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the National Development Plan 2030 and the Integrated Development Plan – the programme’s primary objective is to equip young people with basic mining skills.