70 Emerging contractors empowered through Human Settlements skills programme

Yesterday, Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements Tertuis Simmers, handed over 70 certificates to emerging contractors who were part of the Contractor Technical Skills Training Programme (CTSTP) in the Overstrand Municipal area.

The CTSTP, which focussed on building contractors, occurred over 5 days in March 2019, and February and May 2021 respectively. Amongst others it provided a basic overview of what the building industry entails, the legislation, technical aspects of building houses, particularly low-cost housing and building patterns.

Those who participated in the workshops are from Hawston and other surrounding areas, such as Stanford, Zwelihle, Hermanus, Mount Pleasant, Kleinmond and Gansbaai. The training was done in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements, the Overstrand Municipality and the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC).

Minister Simmers said: “By empowering our emerging contractors, we’re are ensuring that they have the relevant and necessary skills to not only obtain employment when the opportunity presents itself, but it also allows them to start creating employment opportunities for others in their area. The transfer of skills and knowledge enables our up-and-coming contractors to forge their own path within the built environment. I’d therefore like to encourage more emerging contractors to participate in these trainings so that they can also be developed.

It was particularly pleasing to note that more than 40% of the trainees are women. Just as we’ve invested over R 2, 6 billion since I commenced in 2019 to date in the empowerment and development of our Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) particularly where our women and young people are involved, so we will continue, as it is a key priority for the Western Cape Government.”