Phumza Rasi, owner of Luluvolwethu Construction, is confident that this qualification will boost her business, which will enable her to train women in her community and create jobs for them in her business. Construction contractor-owners from across the Western Cape received training in Cape Town over a period of six months, ending in October.
"As a woman I knew nothing about construction when I started my business," said Rasi.
"Now I learned everything - including laying bricks. I feel confident that my team won't mess up while I'm standing there - watching."
Rasi is also pleased that she will now be able to employ other women and teach them the trade.
The training is a part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and a key component of the national Emerging Contractor Development Programme (ECDP).
"We want these emerging contractors to grow from being bakkie contractors to becoming viable business entities," said Keith Rass, from the department’s Construction Development Programme component.
The programme comprises six modules split into a series of five-day workshops, covering 30 days, spread over six months. These shorter interventions are necessary in order for participants to not spend too many successive days away from their business. This year the programme ran from March to October.
The course is accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA).
Successful participants will gain 120 credits that they could use towards further studies in a built environment field. The course will also equip them with skills they can apply daily in their businesses, e.g. how to calculate the daily quantities required on a building site and how to cost a project properly.
Phumza Rasi, owner of Luluvolwethu Construction, received training in her field from the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works.
ARTICLE: MICHELLE PIENAAR, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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