Bridge-to-work creates opportunities for the unemployed
Fuel ccompany Sasol, in partnership with Government, has launched Bridge to Work (BtW), a series of initiatives aimed at improving food security and reducing unemployment in its communities across the country.
The programme works by developing emerging farmers and improving access to economic opportunities for the youth, women, and adults out of work by providing training in critical skills such as motor mechanics, welding, etc.
The official launch was held at the Sasol Secunda Recreation Club on Tuesday, August 30.
“As we progress our Future Sasol strategy, giving effect to a just transition is central to our decarbonisation pathways towards achieving our 2050 net zero ambitions,” said Charlotte Mokoena, Executive Vice President: Human Resources and Stakeholder Relations.
Sasol has partnered with the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) in Mpumalanga, Buhle Farmers’ Academy, and the African Farmer’s Association of South Africa (AFASA).
Additional partners include Afrox, Alternative Information and Development Centre (AIDC), Aurex, the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Productivity SA, and South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), and the Gert Sibande TVET College.
Stakeholders who partnered with SASOL in this campaign of empowerment and economic upliftment signing the memorandum of understanding. Partners:SASSA,Productivity SA, SEDA and Department of Social Development.
A memorandum of understanding was signed between Sasol and partners.
The Bridge to Work Launch included a handover ceremony of Sasol hands over the Esperanza Farm to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. The farm is 285 hectares.
Agricultural equipment and vehicles were also donated to the first ever graduates of the agricultural programme.
The Bridge to Work programme has the following programs:
- Iphepe, which is aimed at establishing and growing the number of successful smallholder farmers, through integrated support systems;
- Community welding aimed at creating qualified welders who are equipped to meet the required skill level for new and existing projects in Mpumalanga and Free State;
- Handyman services to create jobs for unemployed youth and unskilled school handymen;
- Motor mechanics to produce certified Motor Mechanics, who will contribute to the motor industry and be positioned to enter the renewable energy powered vehicle industry;
- Business technology programme to assist youth in our communities achieve applied technology skills in order create scalable start-ups and sustainable digital SMMEs that are relevant to their community; and
- Community service programme where the unemployed will be mobilised to become active citizens of the country’s democracy, while earning an income and increasing their employability.
Sasol will be embarking on a roadshow before the end of the year, visiting communities to raise awareness of these programmes and recruit interested individuals.
For more information about BtW and the opportunities available, people can visit the Bridge to Work website.