Nunnovation Africa Foundation (NAF) has established a one of a kind programme to develop and support entrepreneurs in the construction input manufacturing sector. The ‘Construction Input Incubation Programme’ is targeted at the Merafong and Rand West communities in Gauteng’s West Rand. Now in the final stages of the recruitment process, this exciting initiative is set to change the lives of entrepreneurs and their communities in the region.
Ngwako Ramohlale, CEO at NAF says, “Changing the face of economic development in the country is very important to us. All our programmes are designed to inform, educate and inspire people from our communities while increasing their earning potential to improve their lives. The construction industry will benefit greatly from this transformation initiative and we pride ourselves in being the change agents to influence this much-needed change.’
The recruitment process started in November 2016 and is now in the final stage of selecting the 30 beneficiaries who will be incubated for the next 18 months. The Incubation Programme will officially be launched at the Incubation facility based in Westonaria sometime in April 2017.
Nunnovation has several empowerment programmes aimed at equipping historically disadvantaged individuals from various communities with industry specific skills across industries. The Construction Input Incubation Programme is geared to develop small businesses in manufacturing steel, rainwater, paint, cement and carpentry products.
Funded by various organisations including Sibanye Gold PTY (Ltd) and the Department of Small Business Development, the vision for the programme is to elevate entrepreneurs beyond mere survivalist modes of operation to sustainable black owned manufacturing enterprises. This project is aimed at boosting the local economy of Westonaria and surrounding areas. The main objective is to develop specialised manufacturing technology driven products that will give them a competitive advantage in the market.
Due to the envisaged high impact results of this programme and the emerging businesses, there is the unique advantage of collaborating with each business to explore further potential and opportunities as a programme partner. As a potential partner of the programme, corporate organisations can gain substantial benefits from their association with this programme and contribute to the drive for inclusive economic growth in the country.
“Programmes of this nature and magnitude need major financial resources to back them for the goal to be successfully realised. Creating black industrialist is our goal. The industry is teeming with opportunity and we’re are excited about partnering with both public and private sector companies on key aspects for this programme,’ says Zandile Mabena, Partnership & Sponsorship Manager at NAF.
Should your business have an interest in joining this ground-breaking programme, get in touch on email to zandile@nunnovation.com and we will get back to you.