Graduation for emerging businessmen

14 emerging business owners from the uThukela district graduated at a glittering graduation ceremony at the Royal Hotel recently.

This after 14 strategically selected local emerging business owners underwent an extensive eight-month business skills training.

Eskom, through its Development Foundation, allocated approximately R2.9 million to pay for all related costs.

The students were trained on the socio-economic development of communities (EPWP), how to conform to the SHEQ – OHS Act and Environmental Act, training, mentoring and coaching. In addition, students will be exposed to practicals, and formal assessments will be done to ensure that the required competencies have been acquired.

Speaking at the graduation, uThukela Mayor Dudu Mazibuko said, “We are proud of all the students and it’s also a proud moment for uThukela District Municipality. Most importantly, Eskom has incorporated youth and female emerging business owners.”

For the past three years, Eskom has embarked on the contractor academy as part of its support and commitment to national government’s drive to accelerate job creation, poverty alleviation, skills development and infrastructure development.

The certificates are endorsed by the University of Limpopo and the relevant Sector Education & Training Authority (SETA).

The students who graduated are: Jerome Shabalala, Nelisiwe Sibisi, Siphelele Mazibuko, Nokubonga Hadebe, Lindokuhle Mbatha, Nhlakanipho Mhlongo, Lethukuthula Khumalo, Ntethelelo Mbatha, Qaphelani Khanyile, Mpilonhle Madlala, Mbuso Shelembe, Nomzamo Moloi, Sbusiso Mthembu, Thabo Molaba and Samukelisiwe Mbatha.