One such case is that of three women who, through interactions in class, forged a partnership which led to the merger of three construction companies.
Thobile Mkhize of Hillah Construction and General Services, Irene Dlamini of Tse Di Thlaga Supply and Projects and Prudence Nkosi of Basithanda Bonke Trading are putting theory to practice.
The trio’s first joint venture was the building of the Thokoza Traders Market, with 37 traders’ stalls to be occupied by small businesses from Thokoza and surrounding areas.
The R2.5-million building project, which was handed over to the city in June on 2014, took the Vukuphile graduates only 18 months to complete.
Their second major project for the municipality, on which they are currently busy, is the construction work at the Nigel Spaarwater Incubator Farm. Their scope of work includes renovations to the farm manager’s house, building of a kraal, feed stores and a cattle feedlot.
Vukuphile is a national contractor development programme that is part of the Expanded Public Works Programme. It is a joint initiative between the various government organisations, such as municipalities and the National Department of Public Works.
“The programme gave us the opportunity to formally learn innovative and proper ways to do business,” said Mkhize, with regard to the curriculum.
“We are truly grateful for the opportunity that government has given us; we have our sights fixed on even bigger projects, including in areas outside the boundaries of our city,” added Nkosi.
Also read:
Meet Ekurhuleni’s junior mayor
