Gugulethu training brings positive impact to 41 local youths

A group of trainees who went through comprehensive training to become yellow machinery operators at Gugulethu Colliery

A training programme at Gugulethu Colliery has highlighted mining’s potential to create opportunities for youth. A total of 41 people from areas surrounding the mine, under the Msukaligwa Local Municipality were appointed as ADT, excavator, and dozer operators in December after completing their training at the mine. The mine’s management identified skills gaps in the area that needed to be addressed. A total of 128 candidates submitted their applications after the apprenticeship was advertised. Gugulethu General Manager Jarmi Steyn says the programme was developed to accommodate unemployed youth, including those with no previous exposure to mining.

“When we started with the recruitment process, we realised there was a shortage of skills in the area and deliberated to come up with an initiative that will benefit local youth,” Jarmi explains. She anticipates 430 jobs will be created by the time Gugulethu reaches its second phase of operations. So far, an estimated 147 people have been permanently appointed within the first year of the mine’s opening. The 41 new recruits are working according to the buddy system, whereby they are paired up with more experienced operators so that they can get mentorship and guidance. They started their duties as fully qualified machine operators from the second week of December. “The mine is also very proud to state that 17 of the 41 operators are women, another important milestone for the management of Gugulethu in developing women in mining,” Jarmi concludes.