TRONOX, one of the world’s largest players in the mineral sands mining business, is spearheading a skills development programme to benefit 140 Zululanders.
Candidates from tribal authorities (Somopho, Ogagwini, Macambini, Nzuza, KwaDube, Madlebe and KwaMkhwanazi) could choose from a wide array of courses on offer, including bricklaying, roofing, welding, construction, plumbing, cooking as well as driving lessons and tests.
The training is being offered at Umfolozi TVET College campuses in Richards Bay, eSikhaleni and eNseleni.
To date, all 140 learners have completed their health and safety inductions and 124 candidates completed their courses of choice.
The remaining 16 are still completing their driving courses.
Forty-three individuals on the Tronox payroll have already been placed at local businesses to receive practical training for a period of 12 months.
The corporate’s subsidiary Tronox KZN Sands, based in Empangeni, covered all expenses such as transport, personal protective equipment and medical examinations.
‘After listening to the plight of the people regarding shortages of skills, it became clear that industry has to do something about it,’ said Tronox in a statement.
‘The skills development programme is a substantial commitment by Tronox to communities surrounding our operations in Zululand and emphasises our ongoing support of education and our quest to empower community members.
‘Tronox KZN Sands has furthermore, over the past two years, provided 24 mobile science laboratories to 24 local schools surrounding our operations,’ added the company.
‘This has been done with a view of improving the level of mathematics and science in schools.’
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