Posted on 31 July, 2024
Youth unemployment stands at a staggering 45.5% for individuals aged 15-34,
significantly higher than the national average of 32.9% in the first quarter of 2024, as
reported by Statistics South Africa. Furthermore, the annual panel data highlights that
young people who have some work experience are much more likely to move from
being unemployed or inactive to being employed between quarters.
GVK-Siya Zama is taking proactive steps to tackle the skills drain in South Africa’s
construction sector by fostering and retaining young talent. The company’s strategic
initiatives centred on professional development, innovation, and mentorship, address
industry challenges and shape the sector’s future.
Thabang Mathabathe, a 24-year-old Quantity Surveyor intern with a Diploma in Building
Science from Tshwane University of Technology, reflects on his internship at the
company: "Since joining as a Quantity Surveying intern, I’ve had the opportunity to learn
from various industry professionals and take on significant responsibilities.”
Mathabathe continues, “The day-to-day experiences have only strengthened my
ambition and taught me the essential practical skills of a good quantity surveyor. Job
satisfaction is a significant benefit and being part of a team that contributes to
successful projects brings a sense of accomplishment. I am proud to be part of the
construction industry and to say I am one in #BuildingStrength,” quoting the company’s
slogan.
Fezeka Mpongwana, a 27-year-old Civil Engineering intern from the Mthatha campus of
King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College, says despite the challenges facing the South
African construction industry, she remains passionate and optimistic about her role in it.
“My journey in this industry has been good as I continue to learn and grow in my career.
I enjoy collaborating with others and find great satisfaction in working with my hands.”
Danielle Francis, a 22-year-old Junior Quantity Surveyor with a BSc in Quantity
Surveying from the University of Pretoria, started at GVK-Siya Zama on a refurbishment
project for the University of Pretoria, which she described as ‘overwhelming’. She adds:
“However, this opportunity offered insights beyond classroom learning. Under the
guidance and tutoring of both a junior and senior quantity surveyor, I’ve learnt about
client interactions and project complexities, enhancing both my professional skills and
personal growth.”
Unathi Mpayithethi, a Coega Development Corporation appointed Document Controller
from KSD TVET College’s Mthatha campus (Cicira), has navigated a challenging yet
rewarding path into the construction industry. “The industry is opening up more
opportunities for young women, and I'm driven to inspire others to consider it,” she says.
Ricardo Hoffman, a 25-year-old Junior Quantity Surveyor, recounts his path: “My
journey began at HTS Daniel Pienaar THS, South Africa’s oldest technical high school,
where I chose Civil Technology. This sparked my interest in construction, and studying
Building Science at Nelson Mandela University provided clarity, offering career paths
like Construction Management and Quantity Surveying.
“During my first year, amid the Covid-19 pandemic's challenges, I adapted to online
learning. As the semester ended, a project assigned by our lecturer took me to
construction sites for comparative analysis. At a GVK-Siya Zama site in Forest Hill, the
late Mr. Crane, a Contracts Manager, generously assisted despite his busy schedule,
leaving a lasting impression on me. The following year, the company hired me as a
student under Simone Vermaak's mentorship, solidifying my path to becoming a
quantity surveyor.”
Cathy Strydom, an experienced HR Manager who has served at the construction
company for over 25 years, provides an overview of the internship process and its
objectives: “At GVK, we aim to bridge the gap between the theoretical training obtained
at the tertiary institutions and the practical application of this knowledge on site.”
Strydom, who is based in the Eastern Cape, says the objective is to ensure that the
students are exposed to all facets of the business and experience the aspects of both
commercial and production activities and how they integrate with each other. The
company has a structured student programme whereby a seasoned mentor is assigned
to the student, and together, they will navigate through the internship.
A key takeaway from the students is that GVK-Siya Zama offers opportunities for
personal and professional growth through practical experience and mentorship. Each
young professional highlighted how their hands-on experiences guided by experienced
mentors have enhanced their technical skills and shaped their careers.
Group executive Amelia Keefer, comments that the company’s student and mentorship
programme not only builds careers for young construction professionals, it also makes a
manifest contribution to a vibrant company culture and the reciprocity of learning. “It
keeps us relevant and on our toes!”
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