SHUKELA TRAINING CENTRE HOSTS MEC FOR PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN KZN

Thami Mathe

The award-winning Shukela Training Centre (STC) recently hosted the MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure in KZN, Martin Meyer.

Above: MEC Meyer receiving his gift from the STC General Manager, Thami Mathe.

The visit arose from the suggestion by the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe to STC and its partners during her visit to STC on 26 February 2025. Having had a meeting with MEC Meyer and heard his concerns about the public infrastructure in KZN, the Deputy Minister felt that STC and its partners have some contribution to make working with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.

During the MEC’s visit, STC and its partners made presentations of what each one of them offers in terms of training. The partners include KZN Education Development Trust, Elangeni TVET and Isisekelo Training Solutions. After the presentations the MEC toured the STC Workshops, interacted with learners and Training Managers. After the STC tour, the MEC provided his response.

Above: MEC Meyer at the Mechanical Workshop with Bronwyn Govender, Mechanical Training Manager showing the MEC different types of pumps and how they function; 

He revealed that upon assuming his duties as the MEC, he was met with several serious challenges within the department. One of the issues that shocked him was the 73% vacancy rate on artisan positions, which emanated from the department’s decision to outsource most jobs to contractors. He found that the situation led to delays in fixing even the most basic tasks and high costs which outweighed the costs of having people employed within the department. It is for this reason that he took the decision to have this reversed. He then indicated that the department would thus need training of artisans to be able to maintain public infrastructure, which is their priority.

Secondly, his second priority is the skilling of 250 000 Expanded Public Works Programme beneficiaries so that once they are out of the programme, they would have certificates to secure job opportunities or start their own enterprises thus underscoring the need for entrepreneurship training. It was agreed that more engagements need to be had, leading to action.