Skills development

For us to fully achieve our strategic and operational objectives, we need a workforce that is competent and reflective of the demographics of our country, and most importantly, shares our vision, purpose and values. Skills and organisational development are critical at South Deep.

We are committed to developing the knowledge, skills and abilities of all our people, through on the job training, mentoring and coaching, formal courses, skills and learnership programmes and stretch assignments. We have internal performance and talent management processes in place which enable us to identify specific training needs. We also offer employees support in terms of career options, preparing those with the ability to take on additional or different responsibilities for future career progression. Most importantly we want to give every employee the opportunity to unlock their full potential and make a positive contribution to their lives and our business.

Core skills training

In addition to these specific courses, a core business skills programme is offered. This programme includes all legislative requirements under the company’s competency profiles, national registered skills programmes and mining legislation. The programmes are occupationally directed technical skills interventions aimed at providing employees with the requisite knowledge and skills to perform their work safely, in a proficient manner and providing skills development towards career progression. Health and safety training, environmental training and first aid training are compulsory modules offered to employees returning from leave as well as new employees coming into the operation.

Learnerships

South Deep provides learnership programmes to employees and community members. Our learnerships are registered and accredited learning programmes that result in a registered qualification with the South African Qualifications Authority. Learnerships consist of theoretical learning, improved through practical on-the-job work experience.

On the job training

South Deep offers a comprehensive catalogue of training programmes and technical short courses, run by training providers that are fully accredited by the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA). They provide training for learners at all levels, from new entries to leadership positions.

Some of the skills and qualifications offered include:

• Blasting Certificated Miners
• Production Supervisors (e.g. Shift Bosses)
• Production Superintendents (e.g. Mine Overseers); and
• Mine Managers.

To facilitate on-the-job training South Deep has two training centres, both of which provide education and training to the mine’s employees and contractors.

Adult Education and Training

Adult Education and Training (AET) constitutes a fundamental building block of vocational skills development and career path progression for our workforce and communities. It provides an entry point for individuals to begin at AET Level 1 and to progress through the learning pathway to attain recognised qualifications which give access to vocationally directed learnerships, skills programmes and courses within a career learning pathway. The future recruitment strategy of South Deep will focus on the employment of individuals with AET level qualifications. However, the mine is committed to the upskilling of current employees and community members, who are offered the opportunity to become functionally literate and numerate.