To empower young people in their host communities to venture into business and become entrepreneurs, Kumba Iron Ore has recently provided 16 local youths with the opportunity to gain skills in sewing, solar panel installation, and mobile phone repairs.
Small businesses contribute to a significant portion of the national gross domestic product (GDP) by playing an integral role in contributing to the growth of the economy, development of the country in general, and by employing millions of people.
“Providing opportunities that will enable young people to unlock their potential is key to uplifting the community.
“As stipulated in our Sustainable Mine Plan, we seek to ensure residents in host communities have access to employment opportunities that will allow them to improve their standard of living and their livelihoods,” says Itumeleng Lute, sustainability specialist at Sishen Mine, on the initiative.
“Through this, we are contributing to our target of ‘three jobs supported off site, for every job on-site’. We trust that the participants will gain lifelong skills which will allow them to venture into the business environment and make a meaningful impact in their lives.”
Ahead of their departure to Johannesburg where the participants will receive training in their respective fields, the mayor of the Gamagara Municipality, Johannes Roman, encouraged participants to take advantage of the opportunity.
“It is heartening to see community’s future leaders and change-makers being recognised and empowered to reach new heights. I urge all the participants to learn from the experience, and grow personally and professionally.”
