A staggering 9000 applications landed on Khanye Colliery’s doorstep after the mine advertised a community skills development programme. This number not only signifies the high level of interest from residents in attaining skills but also reflects the plight of unemployment faced by many in the mine’s surrounding areas. This dire need is precisely what influenced the mine’s decision to invest in a skills development initiative as part of its Social and Labour Plan.

Khanye’s Human Resources Officer Lindiwe Aphane explains that the programme was specifically designed to contribute towards alleviating skills shortages and unemployment. This initiative provides hands-on training to equip participants with the skills needed to operate yellow equipment. “This programme is 100% local. We made sure to include individuals from farms, townships, and other local communities. We also aimed to incorporate different age groups,” Lindiwe explains.

A study led by researchers from the University of Sheffield in the UK and Wits University in South Africa investigated some of the challenges job seekers face in townships like Ekangala and Rethabiseng, which fall under Khanye’s catchment area. Residents who took part in this study shared their difficulties in finding work, especially being located along the urban periphery. Being at the heart of these communities, Khanye has the chance to drive meaningful change through such programmes whenever the opportunity arises.

With such a high turnout of applicants and only a limited number of spots available, Khanye’s recruitment team had to do verification checks to ensure that all shortlisted individuals came from host communities and met the requirements. Extensive community engagement was crucial to this process. The community liaison officer worked closely with local forums to verify applications from different wards.

Gender diversity was also a primary focus during the selection process. “There was a significant push for women in mining, and many of the trainees were women,” Lindiwe notes. One of these trainees is Zandile Mahlangu, a 24-year-old from Vaalplas, a farm on the outskirts of Bronkhorstspruit. Zandile plans to leverage the skills and experience gained from the programme to advance her career. “Seeing people commuting daily to and from the mines for work inspired me to pursue a career in this field. I plan to use my certificate to secure a permanent job,” Zandile says.

Comprehensive training

The month-long course, conducted in partnership with Safety & Training Solutions (SATS), began with a week of theory focusing on safety protocols, hazard identification, and basic first aid, among other topics. The remaining 15 days were dedicated to hands-on training in a designated onsite area under the supervision of assessors. The training sessions specifically focused on the ADT due to its straightforward operation, making it easier for trainees to understand. “The ADT is an entry-level machine. If you can drive a car, you will likely find it easy to operate,” says Lindiwe.

The programme is accredited by the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA). It exposes participants to various operational scenarios, covering a wide range of topics. Sibusiso Skhosana (21) found the training valuable. “I believe this certificate will help me stand out because of my mining experience and the topics covered, such as health and safety,” Sibusiso says. Upon completing the training, all participants underwent interviews to prepare them for future opportunities, providing them with insight into how the workplace operates.

Making a lasting impact

In October 2024, some of the candidates who had completed the training were appointed as full-time ADT operators following the opening of several vacancies. Ten individuals who excelled during the training were invited for interviews, and ultimately, five successfully secured positions. Among them is Bathabile Aphane, a law graduate who had been unemployed for two years after she was retrenched from her previous job. Bathabile is thrilled at the prospect of building a career in the mining sector. “I am happy about this transition happening in my life; Canyon Coal really came through for me with this opportunity,” she says.

Gugu Nxumalo also faced the harsh reality of unemployment after getting retrenched from her previous job as a pump attendant at another mine. Her recruitment has restored her hope. “Getting this job was such a huge relief for me as a mother; I had many responsibilities, and every day came with its own pressures,” says Gugu. In addition to bringing stability to Gugu’s life, she also finds her job rewarding.

Siyabonga Ngwenya (22) from Ekangala was also appointed as a full-time ADT operator. He plans to use this opportunity to build a foundation for his future goal of becoming a workshop mechanic. “i’ve always been passionate about being a mechanic, so this opportunity is perfect as it will allow me to work my way into the workshop as a mechanic,” he says. The ADT operators’ appointment highlights this programme’s success and showcases it as a model for effective community upliftment. By equipping individuals with lifelong skills, it paves the way for sustainable employment in the mining industry