Skills development provider, In Touch Community Development and Project Managers, continues to be a beacon of light for people in marginalised communities, helping to stem the tide of unemployment through skill development programmes.
The provider, which was established in 1994 by a group of forward-thinking black professionals with real-world expertise in building and civil construction, has stepped out to support the country, giving young women among its 1 500 programme participants top priority.
It is clarified that the objective is to support government initiatives aimed at raising everyone’s standard of living and giving hope to the destitute.
The managing director of In Touch Community Development and Project Managers, Kganya Ramoshaba-Bbenkele, states that the purpose of their training centre is to provide women with free training programmes and skills so they can compete in the job market.
When asked if there was a particular reason why it primarily targets women, she responded that women in South Africa are mostly disadvantaged.
“Because women are very disadvantaged in South Africa, even the unemployment rates say it all. Women are at the bottom of the hierarchy in most things compared to their male counterparts. Women are not facing only socio-economic issues in their daily lives; they are also overlooked and underpaid in the workplace. The inequality and lack of opportunities given to women are unreal, and we are trying to fight that.”
She also talked about finding venues for practicals while outlining some of the difficulties faced along the route.
“Places for practicals can be hard to secure sometimes due to lack of availability; stipends are paid late sometimes from our funders, and learners can't get to their workplaces. It becomes a challenge, but we have endured over the years; hence, we are still standing today because our interests lie in eradicating poverty in our society,” said Ramoshaba-Bbenkele.
Asked about their future plans and if there is a possibility that they might stretch across the country, she said: “They can expect us to continue providing quality training and making sure that our goal of changing lives and homes is maintained. There is a very high chance to expand and change lives outside Limpopo because South Africa as a whole still has a lot to do in terms of providing necessary skills. Currently, we are dealing with our disadvantaged communities and the people who need it the most. It’s a journey, we will overcome.”
It is revealed that training facilities are available from the supplier in Tzaneen, Makhado, Mokopane, Venda, and Polokwane.
They are also operating a nationwide learnership initiative in Gauteng, the North West, and Limpopo, with the most benefit going to underprivileged black women.
The Star