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Local Company Scores Maximum Skills Development Points for BBBEE Level Three

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Full marks for training and education has helped specialist tool, jig and die maker, DKT Engineering of Port Elizabeth to qualify for Level Three BBBEE status.

The company, which designs and manufactures tools for the automotive, food and other industries, scored maximum points for skills development after it opened a dedicated training centre in 2010.

The centre trains artisans in order to meet the growing requirements of the South African market. “Qualified tool, jig and die makers often end up specialising, which means that you get a CNC machinist, or turner, who will do little more than stand behind a machine for the rest of his or her career. Due to this, critical skills are often lost to industry.

“At DKT, we produce artisans that can meet the diverse requirements of the South African market. We want to be recognised for the quality of training provided,” says DKT Engineering managing director Pieter Erasmus.

The training centre can accommodate up to ten apprentices, with the current intake including two women. Although she has several years’ practical experience of the industry, apprentice Michelle Kitching signed up to the school to further her skills and knowledge.

“My dream is to qualify in something for the first time so that I can start working as a technician in a big company. Then I want to study to become an engineer so that I can earn good money as a woman.”

The centre is also open to students without any previous experience such as Wendy Tsotsi, “I have always liked the trade and don’t like to be stuck in an office. I hope to have the skills and knowledge to be able to teach other apprentices to become good artisans.”

DKT Engineering was evaluated in terms of section 9(1) of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act 53 of 2003, using the Qualifying Small Enterprise Scorecard (QSE).

In the area of procurement, DKT scored 21.5 out of a possible 25 points. “We have a strict procurement policy which supports other companies which are BEE compliant,” says Erasmus.

The company also has a strong focus on socio economic development, and scored 24.5 out of a possible 25 points in this area. “We do a lot of community work, and this year we have also been involved with the Johan Botha Cycle Charity,” he adds.

The company is currently working on a five year plan together with Labournet to increase its level of employment equity.

DKT is one of a handful of companies in the Eastern Cape to be ISO 9001:2008 compliant and to receive quality accreditation for design.

It designs and manufactures complex tools, jigs and dies, as well as automated production machinery, for the catalytic, motor, food and beverage industries throughout South Africa.

“Achieving this level of BBBEE status shows both our clients and our partners what we believe in,” says Erasmus.

Wendy Tsotsi (left) with trainer Neville van Wyngard.

Related: Skills Development Facilitators in Port Elizabeth.

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Siyathetha

Ed Richardson is the managing director and brain behind the Siyathetha brand and is rumoured to be one of the most effective weapons of mass communication in the Eastern Cape. See more articles by Siyathetha.