Business

Embracing Craftsmanship: A Collaborative Endeavor between NBI and the City of Cape Town

March 19, 2024

3 mins read

artisan skills skills enhancement program

The National Business Initiative (NBI) and the City of Cape Town have launched a program to enhance artisan skills in learners, with 31 students accommodated by the Facilities Management department for hands-on training. The initiative is a breakthrough for ambitious young learners seeking to hone their artisan skills and serves as a guiding light for the sector. The program is a stepping stone towards eradicating barriers to economic involvement in the city, with a vision to expand and polish the artisan skills of learners for future employment in the field.

Embracing Craftsmanship: A Collaborative Endeavor between NBI and the City of Cape Town. The National Business Initiative (NBI) and the City of Cape Town launched a breakthrough artisan skill enhancement program to hone artisan skills in learners. Thirty-one learners were accommodated by the Facilities Management department with hands-on training until June 2026. This program is a stepping stone towards eradicating barriers to economic involvement in the city.

The artisan sector witnessed an epoch-making event on the 18th of March, 2024, in Cape Town. The National Business Initiative (NBI) in collaboration with the City of Cape Town launched a breakthrough artisan skill enhancement program. Alderman Theresa Uys, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, graced the occasion, extending a warm welcome to the 31 chosen learners for the programme and highlighting the magnitude of this golden opportunity.

A Beacon of Hope Ignites

The initiative is a fruitful outcome of an accord between the City’s Facilities Management department and the NBI. It serves as a guiding light for ambitious young learners who seek to hone their artisan skills. The department has successfully accommodated 31 learners from the NBI into its structure, bolstered by an understanding with the NBI to financially support the endeavor.

Starting from the 1st of February, 2024, these learners, enriched with theoretical knowledge in fields such as Installation, Repairs & Maintenance, and Welding, have been thoughtfully positioned within the Facilities Management Department. Their contracts extend till the end of June 2026, ensuring an intense period of hands-on training.

Initial Phase and Future Plans

The program’s preliminary phase will last until the 31st of August 2024. During this phase, the NBI will bear the responsibility of remunerating the learners. After August, the City will take the reins, channeling resources to further develop the skills program. This endeavor will guarantee the continuation of the program until June 2026, and during this time, the City will directly compensate the learners.

The learners have secured positions at various City Facilities Management depots strategically dispersed across Cape Town. These include locations in Milnerton, Philippi, Bellville, Somerset West, and the Cape Town Civic Centre.

The Vision and the Hope

Alderman Theresa Uys, expressing her anticipation and objectives for the program, stated, “This association with NBI aims to address key issues such as our shared vision for City facilities, their maintenance, and our dedication to mitigate the escalating youth unemployment rate. Our target is to facilitate continuous growth for these learners and this program is a stepping stone towards eradicating barriers to economic involvement in our city.”

She continued, “We anticipate that these learners will expand, polish their artisan skills, and secure future employment in this field, perhaps even with the City one day.”

The alliance with NBI underscores Cape Town’s dedication to offering practical learning opportunities for learners with solid theoretical backgrounds. Alderman Uys commended this strategic collaboration, stating, “NBI is an ideal partner as they supply the City with apt learners possessing the necessary theoretical foundation. We reciprocate by offering them a chance to accomplish the practical portion of their learning with our experienced Facilities Management team, the perfect department to administer a maintenance skills program like this.”

The Fusion of Theory and Practice

The union of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, the quest for sustainable growth, and the commitment to decrease unemployment are the pillars of this program. Strengthened by the unflinching commitment of the City of Cape Town and NBI, these 31 budding artisans are set on a path to transform the artisan skills landscape in Cape Town and beyond.

1. What is the Embracing Craftsmanship program?

The Embracing Craftsmanship program is a collaborative endeavor between the National Business Initiative (NBI) and the City of Cape Town to enhance artisan skills in learners.

2. How many students are accommodated in the program?

There are 31 students accommodated by the Facilities Management department for hands-on training in the program.

3. What is the duration of the program?

The learners’ contracts extend until the end of June 2026, ensuring an intense period of hands-on training.

4. What is the preliminary phase of the program?

The program’s preliminary phase will last until the 31st of August 2024, during which the NBI will bear the responsibility of remunerating the learners.

5. What is the vision of the program?

The program is a stepping stone towards eradicating barriers to economic involvement in the city, with a vision to expand and polish the artisan skills of learners for future employment in the field.

6. Where will the learners be placed during the program?

Enhancing Higher Education in South Africa: A Review of the 2024/2025 Budget Vote for the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in South Africa has demonstrated financial responsibility by returning R580 million to the National Treasury due to the impact of the Covid pandemic, while still achieving 99% of its performance objectives. Under the leadership of Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, the DHET is committed to developing a qualified workforce that contributes to economic expansion through its higher learning institutions. The DHET’s initiatives include resolving legal litigation, prioritizing response to genderbased violence, investing in research and development, and expanding the postsecondary education and training system.

south africa presidential budget vote 2024

Building an Inclusive Future: The Presidential Budget Vote of 2024

The Presidential Budget Vote of 2024 outlines President Cyril Ramaphosa’s vision for South Africa’s future, with a focus on inclusive growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and ethical, capable, and developmentoriented governance. The government’s strategy involves collaboration and partnership across the public and private sectors, with civic engagement and scientific innovation playing a key role. The Presidency is committed to tackling youth unemployment, genderbased violence and femicide, and implementing initiatives to improve economic and social wellbeing for all South Africans.

Latest from Blog

A Disturbing Incident: Recollection of Slavery in a High School Incident

Students at a Cape Town high school were involved in a disturbing mock auction that resembled scenes from slavery. The incident, filmed and circulated on social media, triggered investigations by school officials and widespread indignation. A spokesperson for the Western Cape Education Department confirmed that the students’ actions were not in line with the values and principles of the department or the school. The incident highlights the need for ongoing dialogues about racial equality, mutual respect, and education on the lasting effects of historical crimes such as slavery.

The Evolving Global Travel Landscape: A New Chapter for South African and Botswana Nationals

South African and Botswana nationals now need to obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland, following the Irish Department of Justice’s appointment of VFS Global as its official partner for travellers from these two countries. The decision was made in response to a surge in International Protection applications from South African and Botswana nationals, and is aimed at aligning Ireland more closely with the Schengen Area. The move is part of a broader trend of countries modifying their immigration policies to balance security considerations, economic requirements, and aspirations to maintain an opendoor policy.

“Spearheading Safety: South Africa’s Revised Electric Fence Regulations”

South Africa’s Bureau of Standards has updated regulations for electric fences, with new rules requiring the use of premiumgrade materials, regular inspection schedules and enhanced testing methods after installation. The SANS 10222–3: 2023 Edition 5.1 requirements also include revised standards for warning sign placement and joint installation. Failure to comply with the standards can result in the denial of insurance claims, while consumers can request the Electric Fence System Installer number from installers and report improper conduct to the Department of Labour.

The Unfolding Homelessness Crisis in Cape Town’s Central Business District

The homelessness crisis in Cape Town’s CBD is becoming increasingly urgent, with hundreds of homeless individuals facing eviction. The city’s proposed solution, the Safe Spaces Initiative, provides shelter, meals, and vocational training to homeless individuals and is funded by the city. While some support the initiative as a way to preserve the dignity of the destitute, others argue for more comprehensive solutions, such as repurposing vacant buildings for permanent housing and addressing health and employment issues. The decision of how to tackle this issue has farreaching implications, making it a critical moment for the city.

Examining the Path of Democracy: South Africa’s Transformation Over Thirty Years

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile emphasized the need for scientific and evidencesupported strategies to handle socioeconomic complexities, identified key issues integral to the nation’s developmental dialogue, including countering the impacts of climate change, capitalizing on the advantages of the African Continental Free Trade Area, and supporting peace initiatives on the continent. The conference reflected on the struggles, achievements, and aspirations of a nation striving to uphold principles of justice, equality, and social transformation.

the ultimate mother city guide