Fostering Female Empowerment through Sustainable Practices: The Carbon Smart Skills Development Programme - Cape Town Today
Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Fostering Female Empowerment through Sustainable Practices: The Carbon Smart Skills Development Programme

3 mins read
sustainability women empowerment

The Carbon Smart Skills Development Programme is an innovative project in Cape Town that empowers jobless women through eco-conscious skills training. The curriculum includes green building concepts, small to medium-sized enterprise development, and soft skills for the workplace. A unique aspect of the program is the use of alien invasive species for environmentally friendly building materials. The initiative equips women with skills to succeed in the growing green economy, benefiting the community as a whole.

Fostering Female Empowerment through Sustainable Practices: The Carbon Smart Skills Development Programme is an innovative project by the Environmental Management Department that provides jobless women with training in eco-conscious skills. The curriculum includes green building concepts, development of small to medium-size enterprises, and crucial soft skills for the workplace. The programme’s unique methodology in construction, using alien invasive species for eco-friendly building materials, underscores its commitment to environmental preservation. The initiative equips the women with necessary skills to excel in the burgeoning green economy, benefiting not only the women involved but also the wider community.

Advance in Eco-conscious Endeavour

In the bustling cityscape of Cape Town, South Africa, an innovative project has started to burgeon. The Environmental Management Department (EMD) of the city propelled the Carbon Smart Skills Development programme. This venture stands as a lighthouse of optimism for jobless women, providing them with an avenue towards self-sufficiency via thorough training and hands-on experience.

In September of 2023, the project welcomed its first participants, meticulously picking thirty women from various city districts, including Garden Village, Maitland, Langa; Philippi, Lentegeur, and Dunoon. The selected participants are granted three years of employment with the City, focusing their training at the Carbon Smart Training Academy situated in Maitland.

A Unique Educational Ascent

The curriculum of the programme is particularly designed to encompass different elements like green building concepts, development of small to medium-size enterprises (SMMEs), and crucial soft skills for the workplace. Within just a few months, the participants have already undergone Health and Safety training and completed a course in Biomass Insulated Concrete (BIC).

Moreover, BIC training stands out as it positions the participants at the forefront of environmentally conscious construction. The BIC product is an amalgam of recycled fabric, plastics, glass, ceramics, and different alien invasive species, and is an environment-friendly building material. This distinctive construction material has already been applied in constructing two gate houses as well as various experimental construction projects such as sanitary facilities at the city’s nature reserves.

A Key Moment and Sustainable Commitment

On the 16th of April 2024, Alderman Eddie Andrews, the Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, graced the launch of the programme. He personally met the courageous participants and shared inspiring words. “The teamwork between our Environmental Management and EPWP departments have played a crucial role in making this programme a reality, one that could potentially instigate positive transformation within the communities where these women reside,” Alderman Andrews expressed.

The Carbon Smart Skills Development programme symbolizes not only an investment in the human capital of Cape Town but also a pledge to sustainable development. It captures the spirit of 21st-century urban development, where ecological sustainability and social fairness are the dual foundations of progress.

The unique methodology of the programme in construction, making use of alien invasive species for eco-friendly building materials, underscores its commitment to environmental preservation. It’s a project that triggers not only self-reliance but also advocates the notion of sustainability.

Partnerships and Progressive Training

Acknowledging the enormous contributions of its external partners, the Carbon Smart Skills Development programme has been enhanced by the knowledge and resources of Dr. Guy Preston and Engineer Dirk Oosthuizen, who have significantly contributed to its progress.

The initiative also integrates two trainee levels, ensuring a systematic and thorough skill development for the participants. This mix of theoretical and practical training will equip the women with the necessary skills to excel in the burgeoning green economy.

To conclude, the Carbon Smart Skills Development programme is a glowing symbol of positive transformation, benefiting not just the women involved but also the wider community. It showcases the revolutionary power of sustainability when used as a tool for social improvement. By empowering the city’s women, the programme also adds to the resilience of the urban structure, ensuring that the growth of Cape Town is both socially fair and environmentally considerate.

What is the Carbon Smart Skills Development Programme?

The Carbon Smart Skills Development Programme is an innovative project in Cape Town that empowers jobless women through eco-conscious skills training.

What does the curriculum include?

The curriculum includes green building concepts, small to medium-sized enterprise development, and soft skills for the workplace.

What is the programme’s unique aspect?

A unique aspect of the program is the use of alien invasive species for environmentally friendly building materials.

How long is the employment period for participants?

Selected participants are granted three years of employment with the City, focusing their training at the Carbon Smart Training Academy situated in Maitland.

Who are the external partners involved in the programme?

Acknowledging the enormous contributions of its external partners, the Carbon Smart Skills Development programme has been enhanced by the knowledge and resources of Dr. Guy Preston and Engineer Dirk Oosthuizen, who have significantly contributed to its progress.

What is the goal of the programme?

The initiative equips women with skills to succeed in the growing green economy, benefiting the community as a whole.

Previous Story

A New Chapter in Cape Town’s Economic Success

Next Story

Cape Town’s 2024 Cableway Charity Challenge: A Community Initiative

Latest from Blog

The Rise of Vaping Among South African Teenagers

Vaping is quickly becoming a popular habit among South African teenagers, drawn by sweet fruity flavors, flashy packaging, and the buzz on social media. Many teens vape to fit in with friends, feel cool and rebellious, or to escape stress and anxiety. However, what seems like harmless fun can quickly turn into addiction, affecting their health and wellbeing. Despite the risks, vaping is often misunderstood, making it harder for families and schools to stop this growing trend. It’s a serious challenge that needs everyone—parents, teachers, and leaders—to work together to protect young people’s futures.

South African Agriculture and the Changing Winds of Trade

Since 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has helped South African farmers sell fruits like avocados, wine, and citrus to the United States without paying extra taxes. This chance boosted farming communities, especially small farmers and women, by opening up new markets and encouraging growth. But recent U.S. tariffs threaten these gains, making it harder for farmers to compete and putting many livelihoods at risk. Still, South African farmers remain strong and hopeful, working hard to face these new challenges and keep their communities alive.

Trapped Abroad: Ashley Oosthuizen’s Journey Through Thailand’s Legal Labyrinth

Ashley Oosthuizen, a young South African woman, went to Thailand chasing her dreams but ended up trapped in a nightmare. After unknowingly signing for a package with illegal drugs, she was arrested and sentenced to over 13 years in prison, despite being innocent. Her mother moved to Thailand to fight for her, sharing Ashley’s story with the world and gaining support. Even when the real criminal confessed, the Thai courts kept Ashley behind bars. Her story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and the risks travelers face in foreign countries.

Shadows Along the Hennops: Three SAPS Officers Vanish and a River Gives Up Its Secrets

In April 2025, three South African police officers disappeared during a trip and were later found dead near the Hennops River, along with two others. Their white car vanished into the river’s dark, swirling waters, hiding clues and sparking a deep mystery. Families and the public mourned, demanding answers amid fears of foul play. The quiet river, once peaceful, now holds heavy secrets and reminds the nation of the dangers police face and the urgent need for justice.

Cape Town’s Boatbuilding: Crafting a Legacy on the Waterfront

Cape Town’s boatbuilding industry is a shining example of skill and tradition mixed with new technology. It creates beautiful, strong boats that are loved worldwide and supports thousands of jobs in the city. But now, new tariffs on exports, especially to the US, threaten this important work and the people who depend on it. Despite these challenges, boatbuilders, city leaders, and innovators are coming together to protect this proud craft. Their passion and teamwork fuel hope that Cape Town’s boatbuilding legacy will sail on strong into the future.