Small, medium, and micro enterprise contractors were recognised for completing their NQF level 2 certificates. They were honoured by contractors for the GO!Durban C9 Work Package 2A who hosted a Women’s Day and Contracts Participation Goals (CPG) Mentorship Programme awards ceremony. The event was held at the Phoenix Construction site office.

This work package runs from Bridge City in KwaMashu to Gateway in uMhlanga. The contractors are Phoenix Highway JV, Raubex KZN, Makhathini, Dlamcon, Mumbo Consulting  and Nankhoo Consulting Engineers.

As part of the GO!Durban Empowerment Strategy, appointed contractors are required to provide mentorship and training to empower and develop local SMME contractors.

During the ceremony, residents working on the construction of the C9 route received NQF level 2 certificates for successfully completing courses. Most of the recipients were women. The modules included tendering procedures, construction activities, contract administration, construction supervision, business management, and close out reports.

Sizakele Ngema of the Thomanoc Trading expressed gratitude for the training. She will use her newly acquired skills to grow her business.

“The training has helped me a great deal to improve the way I run my company. I have learnt how to bid for tenders to grow my company.  When I started in construction as a woman, it was difficult learning the business. However, now things have improved. I have overcome challenges and am working well with my team,” she said.

The CPG Mentorship Programme started in 2020 with 11 local contractors to enhance their overall business. The training is ongoing and offers both classroom and on-site mentoring. 

The ceremony was attended by eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) officials and ward 48 Councillor Michelle Lutchmen and ward 49 Councillor Tino Pillay.

ETA Deputy Head Bethuel Manthoadi congratulated the certificate recipients and stressed the importance of skills development.

“I am excited to see so many women who have completed the programme. However, it does not stop here, I encourage you to continue to develop yourself.”

ETA Deputy Head Bethuel Manthoadi