Training forms
huge component of Whittlesea project
Training and construction management services formed a large part of the upgrading of community access roads in Whittlesea. SANRAL started upgrading community access roads in November 2016.
Training consisted of classroom and practical work.
SANRAL placed six civil engineering technicians and four interns who were busy with their practical training to obtain their civil engineering diplomas.
“We want to give technicians an opportunity to gain practical experience and develop their careers. They are all busy with their training, so they will be able to register with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA),” said Lindelani Tsanwani, SANRAL Southern Region Project Manager.
Another unique aspect is the TVET Future Engineers (FE) Programme. Twenty-eight students from various Eastern Cape colleges undertook their practical training to upgrade their certificate
to a diploma, others to be site foremen and supervisors. By the end of December 2018, more than 200 students benefitted from the programme.
In February 2017, the Future Engineers (FE) Programme was piloted through SANRAL's community development projects in Whittlesea. "We had initially set out to train a few students, however, the overwhelming interest we received from students in the area wanting to be part of the programme proved there was a desperate need for such training on a larger scale”, said Tsanwani, who initiated the programme.
The group was selected from college students who passed their N6 civil engineering qualification with a 55% and above average, as well as university students studying towards a civil engineering qualification.
Upon completion of training, the TVET college students will be eligible to enrol at a university to complete a B.Tech in civil engineering. They would not have had this opportunity if such programmes did not exist.
SANRAL community development project in Whittlesea one of its kind
More than a hundred community members were taught how to manufacture concrete blocks and kerbs used in the upgrade of service roads.
Lusanda Khoboka, a Whittlesea public liaison officer (PLO) said: “Our roads were a mess. The erosion caused by running rain water from nearby mountains made it hard for the government to render its services in an effective and efficient manner.
“This project has improved road conditions a lot. Eroded community roads are still currently being worked on and judging by the looks of things, I think accessibility will be achieved.”
Nomthunzi Vokwana from Tambo Village in Whittlesea: “I was in catering but I wanted to work in the construction industry since I was young and SANRAL and Inkanyiso Consulting answered my prayers. At first, I didn’t know anything, but the classes and training helped me a lot. I did not see where my business was going but now I am able to save money. I am also able to work in both catering and construction and see my catering business is growing and moving forward. I really am appreciative.”
Thandeka Bobotyani, from Brackloof Village in Whittlesea: "The project is very helpful to me. Training at Inkanyiso Consulting helped me a lot and has been an eye opener to me. The stipend that we received helped to put food on the table and it really improved our living conditions. The training taught me how to save money and also taught me the importance of having a vision, for example where I see myself in the next five years."
BUILDING SOUTH AFRICA THROUGH BETTER ROADS
HELLO EASTERN CAPE 2019