Learner contractors start with first projects

Following the completion of their theoretical training, a total of 65 emerging contractors would now put their skills to the test after the official site handover of the Vuk’uphile projects by Polokwane Executive Mayor Thembi Nkadimeng at Jack Botes Hall on Tuesday.
The group is the first batch in the province to be part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Vuk’uphile Learnership programme instituted by Polokwane Municipality together with the National Department of Public Works (NDPW).
The handover implies that the group would start working on various constructions currently underway in the municipality under the supervision on qualified contractors.
The objective of the programme is to build the capacity amongst emerging contractors, execute the increasing amount of labour-intensive work that is part of the EPWP and also to develop the administrative, technical, contractual, managerial and entrepreneurial skills of the learner contractors and supervisors, it was learnt.
When addressing emerging contractors, Nkadimeng cautioned that it was of profound importance for learners to take the programme serious and do things according to book to become qualified service providers. She narrated a story of a young man who failed to complete a sport complex in Ga-Maja saying that the said emerging contractor misused funds with lavishing vehicles which made it impossible for him to deliver services to the people. Nkadimeng encouraged learners to give it their all and ensure that they capitalise on all the support that they have at their disposal being the consultants, mentors and officials.
“An impression should not be created that you will be treated with soft gloves. Remember the programme is intended to develop you from emerging contractors into fully-fledged contractors who are able to execute labour-intensive projects. You must work diligently and put in all the efforts into your work. Hard work is necessary in order to attain success in all aspects of life. Nothing comes to you without putting in the work. Stop doubting yourself, work hard and make it happen,” Nkadimeng concluded.
NDPW representative Osborne Neluvhalani emphasised that the 65 learners add to the recent pronouncement made by President Cyril Ramaphosa that the country has to upskill 500 emerging contractors to fight unemployment among young people. He further outlined that all the learners would receive certificates upon completion of the programme.

Story, photos & video: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za