Future leaders in the mining industry are to get an insight into the challenges they face when they attend a workshop in Sandton hosted by the government, Standard Bank and the Kellogg Foundation.
”This is a first,” said Minerals and Energy Minister Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, opening the week-long course.
”You’ll hear a lot about risk and reward,” she said, while warning there was no point in talking about empowerment unless it was in conjunction with skills development.
She advised those present to constantly seek training.
”Knowledge is something no one can take ever away from you. This is a challenge for you to become perpetual learners.”
In outlining the charter for the mining industry which includes issues of training, employment equity, community upliftment, procurement (from previously disadvantaged suppliers), beneficiation, housing and ownership, she said the whole point was to create well rounded mining leaders. The charter would benefit all sections of the mining fraternity from top management to labour to ”ghost-towns” caused by the closure of nearby mines.
The minister said it was essential to provide training opportunities to ensure the upward mobility of those in the industry. Mlambo-Ngcuka said her department, in conjunction with the University of the Witwatersrand and Wits Technikon was launching a five-year course for the mining industry which would include subjects such as geology, engineering and finance.
Derek Cooper, chairman of Standard Bank, said while the Department of Minerals and Energy charter was a road map which would help maintain a vibrant sector, financial institutions faced their own challenges.
”All journeys start with the first step. We are exploring how the new financial challenges can be addressed.” – Sapa