The Illovo Sugar South Africa (ISSA) Human Resources department has proudly partnered with Khulisani, a unique learning programme for persons with a disability, and PMI, an accredited learnership provider in KwaZulu-Natal, to enrol 30 unemployed learners with disabilities on a life-changing 12-month NQF 4 Business Administration learnership.
The learners are from communities near our Noodsberg and Merebank operations. The Cane Cuttings team recently had the pleasure of visiting the learners at PMI in Musgrave, where they have been diligently absorbing theoretical knowledge.
The theoretical aspect of the programme includes management of records, business writing and business policies, which the learners will then apply as their practical workplace experience at our various sites before they obtain their qualifications.
Selena Rajoo, facilitator at PMI says, “The programme is preparing the learners for all the admin work they will be exposed to when they reach the workplace. We provide them with theory support that they will be able to practice in the workplace.”
This significant initiative upskills a previously disadvantaged segment of the workforce in support of the South African Skills Development strategy. The learners are receiving industry insight into the types of administrative work done at Illovo and how they will be integrated into ISSA for their practicals. They were also treated to Illovo product samples.
Christian Nxumalo, Learning and Development Manager at ISSA’s Head Office, said, “This programme goes beyond just enrolling learners living with disabilities. We are changing young people’s lives, creating hope, and demonstrating that they can achieve their goals much like any other able-bodied young person.”
So far, the learners have expressed excitement about the opportunity. Balungile Thwala said, “I’m thrilled to finally be learning about business administration and management. There’s a lot of theory to cover in a short time, but the lecturers do give us time to come back and ask questions on a one-onone basis. We are looking forward to coming to sites and practising what we are studying.”
Kwanele Cele agreed, “I have found the programme to be challenging because of the submissions, but I am also learning things I did not really know such as admin, filing and data capturing.”
Fiona Sikhwama is hopeful about the doors this opportunity will open for her, saying, “What I am hoping to achieve after I receive my certificate is a chance of permanent employment.”
This programme is a testament to ISSA’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering workplace. We look forward to welcoming these talented learners to our sites and witnessing their success stories unfold!
