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Improving livelihoods through adult basic education and training (ABET)

Kolomela Mine in Postmasburg is taking ordinary practices and doing it with a bit of a different twist

The mine is the latest addition to Anglo American Kumba Iron Ore’s mining operations in the Northern Cape and Limpopo Province.

Low levels of numeracy and literacy levels in South Africa’s rural areas has prompted government and the private sector to tackle this problem head on

In normal instances mines are prone to offer ABET to employees who are not functional in numeracy and literacy up to the required levels.  At Kolomela Mine it was decided to make the minimum entry level for all employees Grade 12. In the long run this would encourage learners to stay in school and complete their Grade 12, at the same time allow an opportunity for ABET classes to be offered community members who can increase their level of education.

ABET learners with a difference. In the morning they attend Pre-Abet and in the afternoon they make cement blocks to sell. back row:  Mr Bertus Venter front row (front from left to right):  Bevil Witbooi, Laurence Welcome, Twentiso Lwayiphi, Phillimon Kleinbooi, Koos de Koker, Victor Selwe

The ABET Centre is managed by Media Works, a nationally based literacy specialist company who facilitate introducing and incepting community members interested in participating in ABET. This was the prime motivation for Kolomela Mine having introduced the ABET program in October 2010 through Media Works, with a facilitator providing full support and guidance to all the learners.

The mine has structured a special routine for the learners, who attend classes from 09h00 to 11h00 on a daily basis and the rest of the day is spent on skills development. With the skills they have acquired thus far they produce cement slabs, which they are able to sell and generate an income from the selling of these slabs

Kolomela Mine maintains the successes of its social and community development programmes is dependent on its commitment in formation of partnerships with stakeholders, amoung them local the municipality and communities. The outcomes are mutually beneficial to all roleplayers to shape a better future for people in Tsantsabane.

All of this cannot be achieved without individuals who are ambitious and persevere to make a change in their lives. The mine is fortunate to have found these students and identified their specific needs. Here they are able to improve their knowledge and skills to allow them to have better livelihoods.