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Skills from sewing to bricklaying, vegetable gardening to computers are being learned at the Zikhuliseni Proficiency Development Centre.
A COMMUNITY skills training centre in Diepsloot has opened, paving the way for unemployed residents to acquire essential skills on the path to gainful employment.
This is a boost for the township in the northwest of Johannesburg, which has been afflicted by poverty and high levels of unemployment for many years.
Colin Steyn and Norbert Sasse, CEO of Growthpoint Properties, officially open the Zikhuliseni proficiency development project in Diepsloot
The R4,6-million Zikhuliseni Proficiency Development Centre, a Growthpoint Properties Limited project, opened to much pomp and fanfare in Diepsloot on 3 November.
A U-shaped structure, Zikhuliseni is an impressive addition to Diepsloot' skyline, a township mostly composed of shack dwellings. The 2 000m2 centre offers skills training in computers, sewing, beadwork, fabric painting, welding and ironwork, bricklaying and vegetable gardening.
Bright, airy rooms house the various subjects, serviced by kitchen facilities, ablution facilities and showers.
Zikhuliseni, a Zulu word meaning "develop yourself", forms an integral part of Bophelong Place of Life, an organisation made up of Diepsloot residents, the Bryanston Methodist Church, several charity and welfare organisations and property group Growthpoint.
Build local
Some 150 members of the Diepsloot community helped with the building, with six community-based contractors being responsible for the construction work. "We applaud the great work that is being done with these skills development initiatives and the inspiring results being achieved," said the Growthpoint chief executive, Norbert Sasse.
"We are proud to be associated with the exceptional initiative and are excited about the benefit [we] can bring to individuals, the community and to business and the economy in general."
Skills development was needed on a national basis - and in the Diepsloot community, said Bophelong Trust chairperson, Ian Pittman. He commended those involved in the creation of the centre, which had "resulted in a fantastic facility which will enable the training of community members in skills and empower them to achieve gainful employment".
In addition to building the centre, Growthpoint is establishing an enterprise development programme, through which small, medium and micro enterprises in the township will get business training.
The proficiency projects that will benefit directly from Growthpoint's investment in Zikhuliseni include Equip, which trains women in sewing and craft.
Equip
Established in 2003, more than 100 women are already registered with Equip. The aim of the project is to enable every person in Diepsloot to become self-sufficient through providing training in a number of skills. Once they have completed the training, participants are supplied with equipment to start their own businesses where possible.
Trainees are able to sell their products through Equip, with 75 percent of profits going to the women and remainder going to Equip to buy materials and pay for operating costs. The centre also provides a small retail area from which Equip women can sell their wares.
"The Zikhuliseni centre has been built with such vision and sincere commitment. Great thought and detail have gone into every element and it has resulted in a centre of absolute quality. We now have a space where we can work as professionals. The women are proud of it," said Marita Nightingale, the founder of Diepsloot Equip, whose project has already taken office at the centre.
In addition to Equip, a computer training centre will offer Microsoft certified programmes to trainees. Those learning bricklaying, welding and ironwork will be awarded certificates of competence upon finishing their courses.
The vegetable garden school will train residents of Diepsloot to grow cash crops all year round. Training will be certified by AgriSETA.
"We are committed to support corporate social investment projects that promote skills development and empowerment among disadvantaged communities. Zikhuliseni, under the ongoing management of Bophelong Trust, will contribute to meeting these objectives," said Sasse.
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