THE Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) is actively involved in various programmes aimed at developing skills for the benefit of the community, with a particular focus on the youth.
That’s according to a statement from IDZ management, which added that these programmes include internships and learnerships aimed at advancing SMMEs and imparting enterprise skills development.
“Critically, RBIDZ takes into account that the skilling of youth should take priority. This to enhance employability and self- sustaining through entrepreneurship.
“With the Techno-Park located in UMhlathuze Municipality, the youth of Richards Bay and surrounding areas will soon benefit from the projects that will be rolled out in the building since the RBIDZ has partnered with Umfolozi TVET College for the utilisation of the Techno-Park for skills programmes.”
This partnership will see the Techno Park – one of several technology incubators being rolled out across the province – being used as a Centre for Entrepreneurship which will provide among other things; basic and advanced entrepreneurship training to young people. It will also provide a platform for community development strategies, coaching and mentorship; and encourage collaboration on community projects.
“The programmes that will be rolled out in the Techno Park resonate with the call for skills development with the aim to equip youth with necessary ammunition to persuade self-sustaining opportunities geared towards opening doors to the prosperous future.
“It is a fact that economic growth and employment opportunities can only be created when people are given a platform to compete with the world. In fulfilling this notion government has to come closer to the people and provide them with the resources they need and businesses that they can get involved in, but moreover the skills and ‘know how’ are the keys to limitless possibilities.”
The programme roll-out is earmarked for 2019, however logistics ground work is in progress at the Techno-Park to allow for the first programme intake in January.
Over and above what the RBIDZ contributes towards is Corporate Social Investment programmes; and these programmes have seen the RBIDZ awarding full bursaries to seven university students pursuing their careers in different disciplines, mainly those referred under the category of scarce skills. The students were selected after an extensive process based on their capabilities and disadvantaged background.
Further the involvement of the RBIDZ extends to various other community development programmes, like Back to School- awarding uniform and stationery to underprivileged pupils, supporting the Caring for Girls initiative that affords girls with sanitary towels, Peer and Puberty education, Drug and Substance Abuse awareness and many others.