Building contractors in South Africa complete advanced training programme

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The Department of Transport and Public Works Contractor Development Programme has facilitated 15 emerging building contractors in South Africa to complete its 24-month Siyenyuka advanced accredited training and mentoring programme.A ceremony to award the certificate was held in Stellenbosch on 26 May 2016.

The annual Siyenyuka programme is part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), and is offered freely to participants. Each year, it adds value to the construction industry and plays a crucial role in the growth of emerging contractors in the Western Cape. As a direct result of the Department’s mentoring and training, several contractors have advanced to higher levels on the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) rating scale. A construction business with a higher CIDB rating can bid for larger and more complex contracts.

Through Siyenyuka, businesses categorized as Grade 3, 4 or 5 General Building (GB)/ Civil Engineering (CE) enterprises have been mentored to identify their specific needs of development. Targeted training has then been offered to assist participants with legal and project-related processes, compliance and tendering processes (pre-tender phase), business development assistance (enterprise development).

Richard Petersen, the EPWP Chief Director says this programme is one of the Department’s key investments aimed at supporting contractors to comply with industry standards, grow and expand their businesses, and be in a position to effectively compete for tenders..

Gloria Joseph of Gordian Fence SA in Blackhealth said entrepreneurs, are faced many hurdles and expressed gratitude at the Department for coming out to support upcoming construction entrepreneurs.

It is evident that the Department and the contractors both benefit from the programme. Contractors get the practical skills and knowledge they require to excel in the built environment industry. The Department on the other hand benefits from better quality construction work and cutting down on the time spent in managing the quality of contractors’ work