LOCAL TRADESMEN PROVIDED WITH TRAINING

April 2021.

It is not always easy for local tradesmen to get access to accredited skills training in isolated or rural areas, which can result in local work being contracted out of the area, meaning that communities in effect don’t have access to the local economy.
This was one of the main reasons why Zeerust Solar project, as part of their early Economic Development budget, funded a programme to help local tradesmen and contractors to improve key skills.

Thirty local contractors were invited to participate in an accredited training programme, aimed specifically at paving and kerb-laying tradesmen. The training was implemented with the intention of increasing local skills and proficiency in the trade, which builds capacity in the area through upskilling and competency training.

“Skills training in outlying areas is often scarce and at times non-existent in rural communities, which results in local tradesmen often being prohibited from accessing work. Hence, this type of targeted learning intervention programme is really effective as it offers the required accreditation and not just adhoc skills,” explained Nomzamo Landingwe, Chief Community Operations Officer for Zeerust Solar.

Now that it has reached its Operations Phase, since 01 January 2021, the focus of Zeerust Solar’s Economic Development programme is to empower and strengthen local communities in and around the Ramotshere Moiloa local municipality, namely Ikageleng, Henryville, Olienhout Park, Shalimar Park, Welbedacht (Lehurutshe Town) and Groot Marico, as well as extending to 40 villages located within the Municipal area.