SEDIBENG.-The Lethabo Power Station under the Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Program welcomed 60 students enrolled at the Sedibeng Training Centre in Sebokeng recently.
The beneficiaries are learners who are from the Vaal Community which includes areas such as Oranjeville, Deneysville, Sharpeville, Vereeniging, Orange Farm, and Sebokeng. The skills disciplines offered to the students are Electrical Engineering, Fitting and Turning, Boiler making, and Welding. The students began their training on 1 June and the training will be for six months at the Sedibeng Training Centre.
This Skills Program is the first of its kind for the Lethabo Power Station and exemplary results are expected from these learners. These skills offered are important in the generation of electricity, and it is hoped that their skills will be used at the Lethabo Power Station.
Eskom’s Nqobile Khumalo said that this initiative is an attempt to address the socio-economic issues faced by communities around the station as well as, develop job-related skills within the community of the Vaal Triangle and Sasolburg.
“The enthusiasm and willpower of the students were immensely visible on the official “Open Day” as they engaged with their facilitators as well as the Eskom CSI team.”
Thelma Ndimande, the CSI Chairperson, and Phumzile Maphalala gave the learners a brief background and the purpose of the day. Words of encouragement, motivation, and highlighting the importance of achieving goals came from many other guest speakers who honoured the Open Day. In addition, the skills program will further contribute to alleviating poverty and unemployment while fostering good mutual relationships with the community.
Nthabiseng Goci, a Boiler student said, “We are determined regarding this program, we, therefore, promise to commit ourselves, attend regularly and make you (Eskom Lethabo) proud so that you can continue giving others the same opportunity in the future”.
Funamna Mankaye, the Principal of Sedibeng Training Centre closed off the ceremony and gave thanks to Eskom for the opportunity.
