Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine (DCM) partnered with Mediro Training Academy to empower more than 60 locals with free yellow machinery certificates and driver’s licences. The handover of the certificates was held at Steelpoort’s Tubatse Chrome Club on February 13.

The training was part of the accredited portable community skills training, initiated by DCM a few years ago. It was facilitated by Mediro and sponsored by the mine.

Attending the ceremony was the DCM’s socio-economic development (SED) team, top management of Mediro, and representatives of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM). Several motivational speakers attended and encouraged the beneficiaries.

As part of the training, the youth mastered skills in operating dump trucks, excavation and front end loaders, as well as forklifts. Twenty members from this group also acquired Code 10 and 14 drivers licences. Detailing the purpose of the day, DCM’s SED officer, Tshidiso Seikaneng, said this initiative is done to combat unemployment in the surrounding communities.

“In November 2025, we had 40 youths graduating in both sewing and beauty technology. We will continue conducting such trainings to fight unemployment in local communities.
“Our wish is also to see locals being employers and not employees. We thank Mediro for conducting the training diligently and successfully.”

Mediro’s Managing Director, John Moropane, thanked DCM for giving his company a platform to transfer knowledge and skills to local communities.
“We ensured the graduates were offered the best training. Some of you are now employed because of this. Continue to work hard and use the machines safely, and respect your supervisors.

“We mainly focus on providing fit-for-purpose education and training to the mining sector. A good relationship is fostered with the Mining Qualification Authority to ensure that our focus is in line with industry needs.”
DCM’s Sustainable Development Manager, Remember Mmbengwa, said the youth should take these opportunities with open hands as it will benefit them in future.

“To some of you, it is a rescue, that you can have the certificates and be able to get opportunities.
“No matter, how small it looks, it is big. These certificates will come in handy when you get an opportunity – don’t take them for granted, they will open doors for you. Something this small can be your breakthrough.”

He added, “As DCM, we are trying to do the best we can so that the people can fend for themselves. Don’t take this for granted.”
One of the graduates, Tyron Theledi, said he was thankful to both Mediro and DCM. “I can say with confidence that we can operate numerous surface machines. We received training from experts and we are now the best in machine operating.”

The event also had motivational speakers who graduated with yellow machines certificates at Mediro. “This training has been beneficial, we are now operators and we are employed at local mines. Mediro ensures you graduate as one of the best operators,” said Warren Sepuduma, one of the motivators.