K Boneng Consulting Services is one of the skills development providers funded by the NSF following the submission and approval of an unsolicited proposal and has been implementing different learnerships and skills programmes.

On 21 September 2022, the Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), through the National Skills Fund (NSF), approved funding of R49 million towards K Boneng Consulting Services to implement three learnership programmes and a skills programme to benefit 738 unemployed beneficiaries.

The programmes are:

• ICT and Digital Computing: Learnership Programme (313 beneficiaries)
• Alternative Housing Technologies: Learnership Programme (205 beneficiaries)
• Temperature Controlled Cold Chain: Learnership Programme (220 beneficiaries)
• New Venture Creation (SMME): Short Skills Programme (152 beneficiaries)

The project commenced in November 2022 and was concluded on 31 July 2024. The learners underwent theoretical and practical training during the programme.

A graduation ceremony was held on 29 August in Benoni to showcase the project’s success. A total of 669 learners, found competent, received their certificates. In his keynote address, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela acknowledged the NSF’s significant role in youth employment. As a government agency, he highlighted that NSF allocates funds to skills development providers, enabling companies like K Boneng to step in where the government cannot equip the youth with essential skills.

“I would like to congratulate all the graduates; the aim of education should not only be for you to get employment but also for you all to start your businesses and employ others,” said Manamela.

NSF Acting Chief Director Meriam Malebo addressed the graduates, highlighting the NSF mandate to skill the nation and expressing her satisfaction with the positive results of NSF’s funding.

“NSF provides funding, so the youth is skilled and capable of finding employment, and creating employment. We will engage with K Boneng and do a trace study to understand our graduates progress in 5 years,” she said.

Paballo Mokoena is one of the 152 beneficiaries of the Temperature Controlled Cold Chain (Perishable Produce Exportation) programme. She completed her practical training at Pick ‘n Pay and was permanently employed after finishing her workplace training.

“Three months after signing my permanent employment contract, I was promoted to Pick n Pay ASAP supervisor; I am grateful to K Boneng and NSF for the opportunity. I was also able to move out of home, and I am renting my place,” said Mokoena.

By Honest Sihlango, NSF Communication Officer

Picture: Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Buti Manamela addressing learners and guests at the K Boneng graduation ceremony in Benoni on 29 August 2024.