Picture: The department announces the exit strategy for Vuk’uphile Contractor Development Programme
OBAKENG MAJE
The Head of Department at North West Public Works and Roads, Moss Kgantsi, has announced the ‘Exit Strategy’ on the Vuk’uphile Contractor Development Programme. Kgantsi said the programme has benefitted 56 participants thus far.
“The strategy follows an extensive consultation process with participants. The department is committed to developing emerging contractors into fully-fledged contractors able to execute labour-intensive projects.
“The exit strategy comprises an NQF (Level 4) training certificate to be provided in partnership with the North West University (NWU). Participants will also be included in the departmental panel of contractors’ database for a period not exceeding 36 months,” he said.
Kgantsi further said, all participants will be profiled through a booklet showcasing the work of each participant throughout the programme. He added that, they appeal to participants to improve their work so that, there is value for money with regard to the work the department allocates and remunerates.
“Exiting participants will give impetus to finalise the new intake of 160 participants as pronounced by the North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi during the 2023/24 Budget Speech.
“The department finds joy in ensuring participants exit with a long-term benefit. Moving forward, all exiting contractors will be in a position to compete for bigger projects,” said Kgantsi.
One of the participants, Lydia Sekano of Tumilid Trading Enterprises CC from Rustenburg, welcomed the exit strategy. Sekano’s company began the programme at Grade 3GB & 1CE and today stands at 5GB & 2CE respectively.
“I welcome the exit strategy with both hands and as a learner or a student at some point, you need to graduate. But, I think what I like the most is the fact that, we will be included in the departmental database, allowing us to compete with other contractors.
“We are still going to receive a qualification, which will assist in terms of tendering as one of the requirements. Even CIDB is amending their systems, they mentioned that starting from the next financial year; they will require qualifications from contractors,” she said.
The Guardian 