A SCHEME aimed at empowering community members by linking them to the local economy has been launched by iThuba Africa, a non-profit company, with financial support from agri-processing business Tongaat Hulett.
The iThuba Project was initially started as the Socio-economic Sustainability and Innovation Programme (SSIP) a decade ago, and Tongaat Hulett has decided to revive the iThuba concept. This will involve establishing physical iThuba Centre infrastructure; resourcing and managing stakeholder buy-in; capacitation; and ongoing management. Three iThuba Centres have been planned to be established at Maidstone, Amatikulu and Felixton, taking into account the dynamics of each mill area.
While Tongaat Hulett has facilitated the establishment of an iThuba Centre in the Maidstone mill area, this initiative is a multi-stakeholder effort that involves representatives such as the local councillors, local business forums, and members of the traditional leadership council. The stakeholders have developed their Terms of Reference and are currently planning to launch the uThongathi iThuba Centre.
The multi-stakeholder group views the iThuba Centre as a one-stop recruitment centre for all corporations in and around Tongaat. It is envisaged as a centre that will also facilitate the training and advancement of community members. Furthermore, whenever there are business opportunities present, the centre will serve as a platform to promote these opportunities and empower transformed enterprises.
iThuba Africa has kicked off the latest initiative by placing candidates in a 12-month learnership programme by Servest Security Company, a leading black-owned facilities management company, which will see male and female participants who have completed matric being trained and receiving a monthly allowance. From a short list of 25, 10 were invited to participate in the Servest Security Learnership.
The candidates who have successfully completed the training are Mandisa Ntanzi, Thabani Mngadi, Mnqobi Masango, Thobani Shandu, Samkelo Luvuno, Mncedisi Ngcobo, Noluthando Katyana, Mfundo Jijingobo, Lungelo Khuzwayo and Ndumiso Cele.
Nicola Nel, Tongaat Hulett’s transformation manager, said iThuba Centre is essential for creating prosperous, resilient, and sustainable societies where individuals have the opportunity to fulfill their potential and lead fulfilling lives.
“Economic growth accompanied by social progress can help alleviate poverty by creating more job opportunities, increasing income levels, and providing access to essential services for marginalized populations.
“Tongaat Hulett believes in the maxim ‘give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime’.
“By gaining hands-on experience and recognized qualifications through learnerships, individuals enhance their employability.
“Hence, the opportunity to participate in a 12-month learnership programme by Servest Security Company has ensured 10 men and women will become breadwinners in their families,” said Nel.
She added that by preparing individuals for the demands of the labour market, learnerships help address the root causes of unemployment and contribute to overall economic growth.
