South32 launches learnership academy for disabled people
30 people with physical or intellectual disabilities will participate in a specialised learnership programme to enhance employment opportunities and to increase their independence and social integration
SOUTH32 Hillside Aluminium, in partnership with I Can!, has launched a learnership academy at its Enterprise Development Village in Richards Bay.
Through this academy, 30 people with physical or intellectual disabilities will participate in a specialised learnership programme to enhance employment opportunities and to increase their independence and social integration.
South32 Vice President Operations South Africa Aluminium, Noel Pillay, said the partnership had helped many people in other areas by addressing development and employment opportunities and improving the perception of disability in the workplace.
‘During the past four years, South32 has sponsored the training and development of 14 learners at the I Can! Disability Academy in Durban North, and sponsored work experience for 56 people through I Can! sister company, Khulisani.
‘We are proud to be launching this academy to help the people of the Richards Bay and Empangeni region. All 30 learners are from the local area.’One of the sponsored learners, Buhle Zuma, said completing a previous programme has resulted in her long-term employment.
‘After I finished my learnership I started work with Khulisani in the babies’ home and have been employed since 2015.’
I Can! is a majority black-owned business with eight academies across South Africa.
More than 800 people have obtained qualifications through its learnership programmes.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
