Foskor has strengthened its commitment to developing leadership capacity within its workforce by signing a new five-year training agreement for the Leadership Development Programme with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

The contract, signed in Richards Bay, marks a significant milestone in a partnership that began in 2022.

Foskor, a major producer and distributor of phosphate rock, phosphate-based fertilisers, sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid and magnetite, cemented the important partnership, and has prioritised its key resources, its employees, investing in learning and development to successfully achieve business goals and objectives.

The renewed partnership reinforces Foskor’s commitment to investing in its people as key drivers of organisational performance and long-term growth.

With skills development identified as a strategic business priority, Foskor initially partnered with UKZN to deliver the Leadership Development Programme aimed at enhancing the capabilities of managers and supervisors.

During his address, Foskor COO James Morotoba reiterated the story behind the company’s 74-year existence, adding that it has been in operation since 1951, and the business has continued to sustain itself.

The need to upskill for sustainability remains.

Meanwhile, UKZN Deputy Vice Chancellor and head: College of Law and Management Studies, Professor Ernest Khalema, said the partnership celebrates the strength of collaborations between Foskor and the university.

“This partnership emerged at a critical time to address the skills shortage. This is a renewal and expansion of the programme for five years, and to commit to development,” he said.

SUCCESS

Over the past three years, the programme has yielded significant results, with 63 employees successfully completing the training.

The new five-year agreement extends UKZN’s mandate to provide leadership training that supports Foskor’s long-term talent development strategy.

“The signing of this agreement marks the beginning of an important journey,” said the company in a statement.

“Developing and retaining the right leadership talent is essential for building a sustainable organisation, and this partnership ensures our management teams remain equipped to meet future challenges.”

Widely recognised for academic excellence, UKZN is expected to play a broader role in supporting Foskor beyond leadership training.

The collaboration is anticipated to open opportunities for research and development initiatives aligned with the company’s operational and strategic needs.