Another centre empowers people with skills
'It is an accredited training facility and is funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development, SETA, and Ashanti Gold Mine.'
Four years ago, Veronica Namane and her colleagues were retrenched by Ashanti Gold Mine in Carletonville on the far West Rand.
This left the former miners without any means to support their families. But Veronica was not going to allow that to stand in her way to find an alternative source of income for them. She roped in Mahlatse Tshonyane and Sindi Wanda, and together they founded the Bambisandla-Sam Centre of Excellence at Western Deep Level in Carletonville.
“I was one of the employees affected by retrenchment after the downsizing of the mine due to the decline in the economy in the sector. I was a manager, and my portfolio included skills development for people with disabilities. Following retrenchment, I saw an opportunity to establish an institution that would benefit society at large. I wrote a proposal to Ashanti Gold Mine management and they were impressed with the concept. They approved it, and they permitted us to use a mining facility which was disused,” said Veronica.
According to Sibusiso Chauke, Communication Officer: Media Liaison and Strategy for the Gauteng Department of Social Development, the facilities used to be a residence for Anglo Gold Ashanti employees with disabilities. The area is wheelchair-accessible.
“The facilities became vacant after employees with disabilities were relocated to the Free State, and was supposed to be demolished. They are now being put to good use by the Bambisandla-Sami Centre of Excellence to train former miners and the community in clothing manufacturing; for hospitality positions such as professional cooks; and animals and plant production. It is an accredited training facility and is funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development, SETA, and Ashanti Gold Mine.
“We are still going strong because of them, and we would like this centre to become a FET College. Furthermore, we would like to expand into other business ventures to ensure the youth and broader community gain access to economic opportunities at our Centre,” Veronica added.
Should anyone wish to do business with Bambisandla-Sami Centre of Excellence, they can call Veronica on 082 821 2177.
