City of Cape Town’s Transport and Urban Authority (TDA) training academy, through its Women-at-Work Programme, is aiming to change the mindset that certain jobs are reserved for men only or that women cannot do physically challenging work.
The aim is also to empower women with skills that will enable them to apply for employment opportunities at the 18 roads depots across the city, and to assist with fixing potholes and clearing stormwater infrastructure, among other tasks.
The training academy works in close collaboration with the City’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). This relationship serves as a temporary mechanism to fund the project, which is valued at R200 000.
The women were sourced from the local sub-council jobseekers database and the depot assessed and interviewed them as part of the appointment process. “This project plays a multi-purpose role. On the one hand, it addresses the under-representation of women in traditionally male-dominated careers, while on the other, it ensures the inclusion of the women in the economy, in particular in Atlantis where the unemployment rate is high.
“Some of the women who form part of the team are sole breadwinners and are bringing up their children on their own. Thus, this is a real opportunity for them to get a foot in the employment door in future,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport and Urban Development, Cllr Brett Herron. The women undergo on-the-job training which empowers them with skills to perform their jobs while gaining valuable experience. The training entails skills in the operation of small construction equipment, onsite safety, and best practices in road surfacing as per the requirements of the South African Road Federation.
“I believe that women can do an even better and more qualitative job. We are truly grateful for the permanent employment that we secured in 2016 after being part of this programme. It really had a positive impact and brought stability to our lives. I want to encourage all women to believe that nothing is impossible. You must believe in yourself, be focused and stand firm,” said Kahiefa Beck, one of the participants.
