Career resilience workshops for AMSA workers in Saldanha Bay a success

Over 1,000 people visited the Western Cape government’s Career Resilience Outreach Workshops that took place at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Saldanha last week to provide support for those affected by the winding down of the ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) steel plant, and the community of Saldanha Bay. 

The workshops were hosted by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism in collaboration with the Department of Local Government, and included representatives from several national, provincial and local government departments and agencies who provided a range of services and advice on workers' rights, financial planning, starting a business, re-training, applying for a new job and CV support for example.  

Feedback from those who attended the workshop was very positive. Phikiswa Nketshe travelled from Vredenburg to attend the workshop: “I came to see SARS and to find out whether there are learnership opportunities available. Most importantly, I want to start my own catering business, so I completed forms at the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) to complete training on how to run a business.”

While Alungile Mapitiza, also from Vredenburg, said, “I attended the workshop to find out what opportunities are available for youth. I completed learnership and scholarship application forms at the NYDA. I also gained knowledge about the agriculture industry and received contacts within the agriculture industry.” 

These workshops are one of many initiatives being run by the task team established by the Provincial Minister for Finance and Economic Opportunities, David Maynier, for the purpose of mitigating the impact of a possible closure of the AMSA steel plant.  

Minister David Maynier said: “We are really glad that so many people, including those affected by the winding down of the AMSA steel works plant, made use of the services available at the workshops. A massive thank you to all involved in these successful workshops. We remain committed to working together with government and business stakeholders to continue growing the regional economy.” 

Commenting on the workshops, Executive Mayor of Saldanha Bay Municipality, Marius Koen, echoed these sentiments, “We are extremely pleased with the turnout of the career resilience workshops. Saldanha Bay Municipality received positive feedback from all those who attended. We believe these workshops were beneficial to each person present. I would like to thank all government departments, institutions and partners for their participation and their valuable assistance and service.” 

The task team will continue to be in frequent contact with all stakeholders invested in the success of Saldanha Bay and the West Coast region to minimise the impact of the AMSA plant closure, support the workers affected and continue to drive the growth of the economy and create jobs in the region.

Earlier this month the Saldanha Bay IDZ (SBIDZ-LC) announced the launch of their SME Co-Lab Centre in Platinum Street in Saldanha Bay. The Centre is a shared work space for the Saldanha Bay business community providing offices, meeting rooms, free Wi-Fi, printing facilities and access to laptops. The Centre also offers access to networking sessions with relevant public and private sector stakeholders and partners. For more information on the SME Co-Lab Centre visit www.sbidz.co.za/news-media/media-releases/

Organisations that took part in the Career Resilience Outreach Workshops included: