Sephaku Cement CEO, Pieter Fourie, Premiers Supra Mahumapelo and David Mabuza of the North West and Mpumalanga Provinces, respectively, have come together to create jobs related to artisan development for the youth of the aforementioned provinces.

“As our business grows we will do what is in our power to support the people of the North West and Mpumalanga to make a real difference,” said Fourie on behalf of Sephaku Cement. As it stands, Sephaku Cement has recruited a majority of its work force, for its Aganang flagship plant, from the previously unemployed masses of the local communities in these provinces.

The plant plans to employ 170 people in the cement factory, as operations show an increase in activity, and will employ an additional 300 through employment opportunities for subcontractors in the region.

These efforts coincide with the North West Premiers aim to create 7 407 job opportunities through the development of infrastructure, the green and social economy during the 2014/2015 financial year. Similarly, the Mpumalanga Province its aims to create 78 000 each year, over a five year period.

Fourie believes that development skills in trade are crucial to these two provinces. He added that in the three years of the plant’s development, 10 fitters and electricians were trained – seven of which have since been employed as artisans and artisan assistants at Aganang.

“We are committed to supporting the communities in which we operate by offering skills development opportunities to young people from previously disadvantaged backgrounds,” Fourie added.

Fourie concluded that Sephaku Cement will also pay special attention at sourcing youth from FET colleges in the two regions for increased recruitment within Sephaku Cement’s artisan programme.

by Litha Mhaga
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