In 2018, President of the Republic of South AfricaSouth, Cyril Ramaphosa announced a multi-billion-dollar stimulus program allocating funds for job creation and infrastructure development. “The central element of the economic stimulus and recovery plan is the reprioritization of spending toward activities that have the greatest economic effect,” he said. Entrepreneurship for Contractors Development Programme was launched in November 2018 in partnership with the University of the Western Cape’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. “Our goals were to equip established entrepreneurs operating in our sector with the skills they need to successfully run their own businesses,” says Anthony Keal, Facilitator at Master Builders Association Western Cape (MBAWC).
The initiative has empowered entrepreneurs by upskilling their understanding in various key areas, including running a small business, pricing and claims, human resources, health and safety, contractual and legal requirements in the workplace and running an efficient project. These skills are usually learned over time and are vital to SME success in the construction industry. “What we’re effectively offering delegates is an opportunity to leapfrog their business growth plans by quite a margin,” adds Keal.
He mentioned that the feedback from entrepreneurs that attended the first six-month course is a testament to the importance of programmes like MBAWC. Faith Mabena, Director of Nokhanya Services, says that the MBA Development Programme advanced her understanding and capabilities in the management of contracts and in health and safety. “The programme was detailed and informative. I’ve left with a comprehensive understanding of the importance of contracts including the types of contracts used in construction and how to negotiate them effectively. I have learned the importance of risk analysis when it comes to personal protection equipment and employees, their health and safety on-site”. The second programme kicks off in February 2020 with a continued focus on empowering the construction industry through the development of SMEs.
