The workmanship quality of the nine unemployed young adults from Laingsburg who upgraded JJ Ellis Sports Ground has received utmost praise from Laingsburg Municipality.

These six women and three men undertook the project under the watch of Tjeka Training Matters’ training facilitators as part of the practical component of their skills training. The project provided an ideal opportunity for these individuals to apply the theoretical knowledge that they had learnt in the classroom to attain a Construction Education and Training Authority-accredited qualification via Tjeka. 

This building skills training course was funded by Power Construction as part of the social-labour plan (SLP) associated with the mineral rights to Doornfontein quarry from where this leading construction company sources aggregates for its projects in the area.

In compiling the SLP, Power Construction worked closely with Laingsburg Municipality to ensure that it was closely aligned with its integrated-development plan. In this way, the municipality makes sure that SLPs address the real needs of communities in its jurisdiction.

Youth skills development and training remain a top priority for Laingsburg Municipality. It also insists that training projects undertaken as part of the Human Resources Development component of SLPs are of an exceptionally high quality. They must lead to a recognised qualification and ensure that young adults are “work ready” when they exit skills development and training programmes.

Furthermore, education and training initiatives need to be closely aligned with the skills needs of industries, hence the reason that Power Construction elected to fund training geared at developing basic building trades proficiency from a leading construction industry training provider. This includes bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing, painting, plastering and tiling, as well as paving.

Individuals who exit this Tjeka high-impact short course possess the foundational skills and knowledge needed to navigate the demands of a typical building renovation project under the supervision of professional tradespeople. These can be developed further to become qualified artisans, for which there is dire shortage in the country.

John Komanisi, Manager of Laingsburg Municipality’s Infrastructure Department, says that the refurbished sports facility reflects the quality of the skills learnt by the individuals.

“While they diligently attended two months of classroom training to learn the ins-and-outs of their trade, the three months spent on an actual building project working to tight deadlines and a real budget was the real test of their grit and determination to succeed in a tough industry. Needless to say, they’ve definitely got what it takes, which includes a willingness to learn and be mentored,” Komanisi says.

He lauds Tjeka for the exceptionally high standard of the company’s training facilitators who also focus on mentoring, which imparts the tacit knowledge that they gained over years of working in their respective fields.  Equipped with “tricks of the trade” Tjeka’s learners can start adding real value almost immediately.

Komanisi adds that this project is a stellar example of the large positive impact that SLPs can achieve when all stakeholders, including government, industry and communities, collaborate in the process. All too often, SLPs fail because they are undertaken without the input of communities.

“Power Construction has demonstrated that it is invested in ensuring that its corporate social responsibility programmes provide sustainable community benefit,” he says. “For example, the group of individuals can also use their newfound skills to help uplift their communities where there is a shortage of professional construction services. The most enterprising members of the group may, therefore, also pursue starting their own small construction businesses to supply this demand.”

Moreover, community members now have a completely refurbished sports and recreational centre, which caters for netball, rugby, track, field marathons and soccer. This infrastructure improves the quality of lives of poorer communities by offering a safer environment for recreation, facilitating learning and personal development, as well as creating conditions for improved health and wellbeing.

The cloakrooms were repaired and upgraded, toilets and ceilings refurbished, and the grandstand resealed and repainted. Power Construction also donated a container ablution unit with two women’s toilets, providing a safe and dignified space for female players and spectators.

Gary Hirst, Head of Department for the Materials Division at Power Construction, officially handed the refurbished stadium to Alleta Theron, Executive Mayor of Laingsburg.

“Through this SLP, Power Construction has created lasting impact by empowering youth, strengthening community facilities and delivering on our promise of responsible development,” Hirst said.