Gold Fields launches initiative to bridge skills and jobs gap in South Africa

Gold Fields, a major mining company in South Africa, has launched a 10-year initiative called Siyakha Sonke, or "we are building together," to address the country's skills and jobs gap. The programme aims to train young people to be work-ready, not only for the mining industry but also for other sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, and agro-processing. This initiative comes as the official unemployment rate in South Africa has increased to 33.6% in the second quarter.

The Siyakha Sonke programme was launched 10 months ago and is initially being trialled in the West Rand, where Gold Fields operates its South Deep mechanised gold mine. The programme focuses on creating practical pathways from learning to employment, bringing together employers, educational institutions, and the government to build skills aligned with demand. Benford Mokoatle, Gold Fields' executive vice-president for South Africa, said the programme aims to make sure women, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups can play a meaningful role in the economy.

One of the key objectives of Siyakha Sonke is to take account of new skills that will be needed as technology develops, providing young people with training and connections to opportunities that will grow the economy. The programme will be rolled out in phases, with the first phase focusing on setting up governance structures and finalizing priority training programmes. Gold Fields has already partnered with several organizations, including Sibanye-Stillwater, AngloGold Ashanti, and Westcol TVET College, to support Siyakha Sonke.

The programme aims to strengthen the pathways between education and practical experience employers need, while preparing people for the skills required in different industries and sectors. Mokoatle said that technology and automation are changing labour demand and reshaping required skills, and Siyakha Sonke is designed to address this challenge. The programme will also focus on expanding partnerships into key economic sectors.

Gold Fields' South Deep mine has already penned memorandums of understanding with several organizations to support Siyakha Sonke, and additional partnerships are being explored and developed. While it is too early to say how many jobs will be created, Mokoatle emphasized that the programme aims to create new, future jobs beyond the numbers. The initiative is seen as a step towards addressing the country's high unemployment rate.

The Siyakha Sonke programme is part of Gold Fields' efforts to contribute to South Africa's economic growth and development. The company's approach is to move beyond traditional training programmes and focus on creating practical pathways to employment. By partnering with educational institutions and employers, Gold Fields aims to make a meaningful impact on the country's skills and jobs gap.

As the programme rolls out, it will be closely watched by stakeholders, including government, business, and labour organizations. The success of Siyakha Sonke could provide a model for other industries and companies to follow in addressing the skills and jobs gap in South Africa. With its focus on creating practical pathways to employment and addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, Siyakha Sonke has the potential to make a positive impact on the country's economy and society.

Key points

• Gold Fields' Siyakha Sonke programme aims to train young people for work readiness in sectors including manufacturing, renewable energy, and agro-processing.