Skills upliftment drive a success
Through a skills training programme, Maureen was able to open her business.
Amandawe’s Maureen Mkhize is one of the many locals benefiting from the Renishaw Coastal Precinct development.
After passing Grade 11 at Sithuthukile High School, Maureen found herself unable to further her studies because of financial difficulties. However in 2017, the now 44-year-old entrepreneur embarked on a skills training programme run by Renishaw Hills – the inaugural development within Renishaw Coastal Precinct – and the Construction Education and Training Authority.
“When I started the programme I was taught how to make gabions, road caps, and v-drains with certificates to confirm I acquired these skills,” she explained.
“Apart from the skills, I was taught how to register a company so that I can stand on my own.”
This has helped Maureen change her life tremendously as she had to raise her two sons as well as her late sister’s two daughters.
She was then able to establish her own organisation which supplies gabion baskets for the construction of retaining walls, erosion control, and landscaping. The gabion baskets, which are made using wire mesh gabions with stone infill, have been used in construction of the 25-ha Renishaw Hills mature lifestyle estate – the inaugural development in what is one of the country’s largest developments of its kind, Renishaw Coastal Precinct.
“My company has employed 27 people from my area, which is making a huge difference in these hard economic times. Through the programme, I was able to take my child through school and today he is a teacher.”
“My sister’s child is also working at Suncoast Casino because I was able to fund her studies using the stipend that I received while I was part of the programme.”
Barto van der Merwe, Managing Director of Renishaw Property Developments said that they will continue to provide skills training, community upliftment, and job opportunities through Renishaw Coastal Precinct which is hinged on inclusivity and sustainability.
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