The Khoebo Opportunity Centre proudly pulled off a dynamic training programme at its new premises in Braamfontein. Charlton Thangalan, the Manager of the Khoebo Opportunity Centre, revealed that the training started on 20 February 2024 at the centre’s new location on the ground floor, west wing, at 66 Jorissen Street, Braamfontein. It is scheduled to conclude on Wednesday, 20 March 2024. This groundbreaking initiative, focusing on the construction industry, is a result of collaboration between the ACS Construction Group and Tjeka Training Matters. They have secured a project aimed at nurturing the growth of Small, Micro, and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) in construction. 

Facilitated by Bosch Ulwazi and supported by funding from the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral), along with additional assistance from the Department of Economic Development, the training initiative stands as a testament to the industry’s commitment to SMME empowerment.

Spanning 22 days, the programme encompasses informative learning sessions and assessments covering various aspects such as entrepreneurship, business opportunities, quality management, financial acumen, legal frameworks, resource management, and tendering processes. 

Upon successful completion, participating SMMEs will be awarded a Construction Contracting Level 2 certificate.

Thangalan expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved, emphasising the programme’s value addition. “Our objective is to equip SMMEs with the necessary business and tendering skills, enhancing their capabilities for future construction projects,” he stated.

Thembelihle Mkhize, a Business Adviser at the Khoebo Opportunity Centre, said 30 SMMEs from the centre’s database were selected based on stringent qualifying criteria, with 27 ultimately enrolling on the programme. Notably, 60% of the enrolled businesses are black female-owned, while 40% are black male-owned and 20% are youth-owned.

Operating from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 16;30, the Khoebo Opportunity Centre stands ready to assist SMMEs with their business development enquiries. 

Currently, the centre offers a range of services including training sessions, workshops, and business consultations. For more information contact Bongiwe Mkhwanazi via email on bongiwemk@joburg.org.za or Millicent Mathebula via email on millicentma@joburg.org.za.

Written by Brümilda Swartbooi

18/03/2024

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