Colin Steyn and Norbert Sasse of Growthpoint Properties officially open the Zikhuliseni proficiency development project in Diepsloot.

Creating foundations from which people can grow, Growthpoint Properties Limited has invested R4.6 million in the Zikhuliseni (the Zulu word meaning “develop yourself”) proficiency development project in Diepsloot, near Fourways, Gauteng.

Growthpoint’s contribution has created a vibrant 2 000 m2 centre which will house skills development initiatives that provide community training in a variety of skills from computers to sewing, beadwork, fabric painting, welding and ironwork, bricklaying as well as a vegetable garden school.

Zikhuliseni now forms an integral element of Bophelong Place of Life, in Diepsloot. This initiative includes a number of community upliftment projects. Bophelong Place of Life is an initiative by the Diepsloot community and a number of charity and welfare organisations, Bryanston Methodist Church and now Growthpoint Properties Limited has added its weight to this valuable initiative.

“Skills development is sorely needed all over South Africa and in the Diepsloot community. Growthpoint must be commended for identifying this need and committing to this project which has resulted in a remarkable facility that will enable the training of community members and empower them to become gainfully employed,” says Ian Pittman, chairman of the Bophelong Trust.”

The company, with 430 quality property assets throughout South Africa, has funded the building which will house and empower the upliftment projects, creating a property asset for the community of Diepsloot that has a significance far beyond the centre’s ‘bricks and mortar’ value, says Pitman.

“We applaud the great work that is being done with these skills development initiatives and the inspiring results being achieved,” says Grothwpoint chief executive, Norbert Sasse.

Making the construction of this centre even more significant is the fact that it has been built by the community with small community-based contractors being responsible for the construction work under project manager Commworx. About 150 individuals or small contractors benefitted from the development, delivering work of the highest standards to create this significant community resource. With 16 000 man hours expended on the constructing project over a 12 week period from earthworks to completion, not a single incident of injury was recorded on site, says Pitman.

“Zikhuliseni complements and enhances Growthpoint’s corporate social investment programmes,” says Shawn Theunissen of Growthpoint Properties.

Growthpoint has an established focus of growing skills on all levels that already includes initiatives such as Property Point, which nurtures and empowers entrepreneurs, micro and small businesses. The company also supports the SAPOA BEE SMME Contractors to the South African Property Industry handbook.

Theunissen says the Property Point enterprise development programme, which Growthpoint initiated and continues to run, will also establish offices in Zikhuliseni. Property Point has held training interventions hosting more than 750 SMMEs and initiated over 60 business links worth over R8 million for SMMEs with Growthpoint and creating 160 jobs.

Going beyond its financial contribution to the project, Growthpoint also provided the knowledge and resources of a team comprising senior staff members to the project as well as additional material such as carpeting and fittings, to finish the centre and ensure the final product creates an environment that nurtures and encourages growth and learning.

Kulani Lebese of Group Services at Growthpoint Properties Limited points says, instrumental to making Zikhuliseni a reality, the trustees of Bophelong Place of Life together with Growthpoint invited business partners to contribute to the project.

Property professionals Commworx, Michael Scholes & Associates, Rawlins Wales & Partners and Chris Charlmers Consultants all donated their extensive expertise to the professional team. Redek, Terra Flora, International Fire Engineering SA and Steiner Hygiene also contributed to this project.

“Many people have liberally provided their expertise and donated materials which have all contributed to reducing the cost of the project,” says Lebese.

The proficiency projects which will benefit directly from Growthpoint’s strategic investment in Zikhuliseni include Equip, which provides skills training for women focusing on sewing and craft, was started in 2003 and now has over 100 women registered. The goal of this project is to enable every person in Diepsloot to become self-sufficient through training in a number of skills. Where possible, trainees are supplied with equipment to begin their own businesses when they qualify. Products made are sold, with 75% of profits being retained by the women and 25% by Equip to buy materials and pay for operating costs. The centre has also provided a small retail area from which the Equip businesspeople can sell their hand-crafted products.

The Vegetable Garden School trains the residents of Diepsloot to grow cash crops all year round, maintaining the supply of fresh food. The training is certified is provided by AgriSETA. A computer training centre will train Microsoft certified programmes to classes.

Training in bricklaying, creating skills to directly benefit the property and construction sector, will also take place in the Zikhuliseni workshop, as will welding and ironwork. On completion the trainees will receive certificates of competence.

Equip has already taken occupation of its new premises and the other projects will be moving in during the first quarter of 2010.

“The Zikhuliseni centre has been built with such vision and sincere commitment. Great thought and detail has gone into every element and it has resulted in a centre of absolute quality. We now have a space that we can work as professionals. The women are so proud of it,” says Marita Nightingale founder of the Diepsloot Equip project.

The u-shaped building wraps around a central grassed courtyard with its bright, airy rooms housing the training projects. It provides kitchen facilities as well as ample bathrooms and showers for its users. The centre is also sensitive to resources using rainwater capturing for its toilet cisterns and garden irrigation, while maximizing natural light and using cross ventilation through its many windows, which are also shaded to ensure light and breezy rooms.

Using the highest grade materials in construction, the building echoes its location and is designed for high levels of usage with large inviting doors and big working spaces.

“We are committed to support corporate social investment projects that promote skills development and empowerment among disadvantaged communities. Zikhuliseni, under the ongoing management of Bophelong Trust will contribute substantially to meeting these objectives,” says Sasse.