Sishen mine hatches plans for technical students

Kumba Iron Ore’s Sishen Mine is collaborating with engineering consultancy, Hatch Africa to implement a Multi-disciplinary – Drawing Office Practice Program, which aims to upskill the technical knowledge of local youth. The initiative which aims to develop 20 students into skilled Draughtspersons, forms part of the youth development program for the Koketso Project.

Catering for beneficiaries from all 3 labor-sending municipal areas in theJohn Taolo Gaetsewe district, the 1-year technical program is presented at the Northern Cape Rural TVET – Kathu Campus, in collaboration with African Academy – One of Africa’s leading Draughting and Training Institutions.

Lesedi Manene (20) and Letlhogonolo Seleke (24), are Multidisciplinary – Drawing Office Practice Program students looking to take full advantage of this opportunity. “Learning how to make detailed technical plans and drawings is great, I did a mechanical trade subject back in high school, this program is providing me with a deep understanding of the field” Lesedi mentions.

Her counterpart Letlhogonolo talks more about the opportunity. “Being a part of this program has been exciting. We went on a work-based learning experience, where we had the opportunity to gain hands-on training. We are exposed to different disciplines which is beneficial for our future prospects.”

Suzette de Wet – Head of Community Engagement and Social Performance at Hatch Africa elaborates on the motivation behind the program. “The shortage of Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) skills in the area, necessitated socio-economic development initiatives focusing on capability building for future major projects in the local district municipality. Upon identifying this need, Hatch Africa and Sishen Mine partnered to develop local youth on the much-needed technical design and drawing skills, that feature in different engineering disciplines.

Our expected outcome is for the youth to have fun whilst learning and on successful completion of the program, find sustainable jobs which will leave a positive legacy in the local community”

As part of the program roll out, Hatch Africa collaborated with local partner, Tshepa Basadi – a women owned engineering and project management firm, to supply students with ICT hardware, CAD software and funding for the tuition fees.

Thabile Nkomo – Managing Director at Tshepa Basadi, reflects on their involvement in this program. “We would be doing an injustice to our communities and to our organization if we do not plough back and develop the talent that we already have. We want to see each student walk away with new skills, knowledge, and an increased competitive advantage in the market.”

Amellia Isaacs – Projects Administrator at Sishen Mine mentions the importance on this partnership. “Collaboration with our partners is key to the success of our community building programs. The mine covered some of the operational cost such as lodging and transportation to ensure students solely focus on their training. Such initiatives are important to develop the youth of the John Taolo Gaetsewe area.”