Current Edition >> Archive Section >> Special Features >> 17 - 31 October 2003
An interesting compacted dual course in Project Management is being presented at Damelin College, Bloemfontein. The first part concerns the fundamentals of project management, while the second part is an advanced course. A part can be taken either full-time Mondays to Fridays for two weeks followed by an exam, or part-time only Saturday mornings over two months followed by an exam.
The Motheo College for Further Education and Training was formally established by the Free State Department of Education, on 1 April 2002 as part of the rationalisation of the technical college sector from an original 152 colleges into 50 mega institutions, forming the nucleus of the new Further Education and Training Sector. Motheo College was constituted out of the merger of the former Bloemfontein, Hillside View and Thaba Nchu technical colleges and the Kagisanong College of Education.
While the College was until recently managed by an Executive Committee, consisting of the four heads of the former colleges, namely Messrs. Patrick Lamprecht, Albert Heydenrych, Fritz Fourie and Brian Madalane, the appointment of Mr. Sam Maboya as Principal of the college as from 1 October 2003 heralds a new phase in the history of the college. In it's new format, Motheo College is one of only 8 public FET colleges in the country with an FTE enrolment in excess of 5 000 and a headcount of over 13 000.
The College operates from three delivery sites, namely the Bloemfontein Campus, situated on the edge of the Bloemfontein CBD, Hillside View Campus situated on the outskirts of the township of Mangaung in Bloemfontein and Thaba Nchu Campus in Thaba Nchu. The college also run a number of satellite campuses and projects throughout the Central Free State and Gariep, from Jacobsdal to Koffiefontein, from Zastron to Rouxville. The college thus spans diverse catchments from urban to peri-urban to rural, from the more affluent communities to the financially disadvantaged. In this manner the college is ideally situated to bring a comprehensive range of learning programmes to the entire Free State.
Each of the three campuses has particular attributes, specialist facilities and expertise that will allow the college to provide a wide range of programmes and services to the community without undue duplication. All three campuses are involved with ABET programmes and offerings for out of school youth wishing to complete their Grade 12, as well as the traditional NIC/NSC programmes.
Motheo FET College has recently embarked on an active thrust to deliver Learnerships and skills programmes in partnership with commerce and industry. In this regard the college is soon to launch Learnerships in agriculture and cabinet making, and is negotiating similar Learnerships in educare and other learning areas. It has already successfully launched Learnerships in Automotive Maintenance (Heavy Vehicles) and in Hair Care. The newly merged institution is also actively pursuing partnerships with international organisations such as CRAC and has a successful bursary grant from Liverpool Community College in the United Kingdom.
True to its slogan, ' Quality Education for Life and Work', the college prides itself on the high standard of tuition and training offered by a dedicated group of highly trained professional staff, augmented by persons from the commercial and industrial world in part-time capacities. Despite the relative youth of it's current format, Motheo College for FET draws from the rich culture and academic histories of its predecessors and can rightfully boast that it is a vibrant, responsive and innovative institution, ready to face the challenges of the future and eager to respond to the challenges of a modern industrialised province as regards providing well-skilled, thinking and competent graduates.
INTRODUCTION
The annual budget for this financial year under review is based on the business plan drawn up for 2002/2003. However, a medium term, three-year business plan (2003/2005), setting out the FDC's strategic direction as well as critical key performance indicators to manage the business effectively, has been developed in consultation with key stakeholders using inputs from all business units. The strategic approach to harness the Free State resources and potential has been aligned with the programmes of the Provincial Economic Development Plan.
The budget allocation of R55,2 million from the provincial government added further impetus to the development agenda of the FDC, enabling the Corporation to reach out to the remotest areas of the province.
SMME DEVELOPMENT
Grants received
During the financial year 2002/2003 the provincial government allocated another R55,2 million for development funding. The amount proved to be insufficient, as development opportunities available, especially for BEE funding, will require additional funding in the coming years.
Loans approved
178 loans amounting to R122,8 million were approved during the year under review. The total number of jobs created and sustained was 3594. Loans granted to male entrepreneurs numbered 139 and 39 were females. The latter translates into 21,9% of all loans, which is indicative of the Corporation's commitment to transformation of the entrepreneurial landscape.
FDC FINANCING TO VENTURES
Sue Celken Family Trust
A loan facility of R6,8 million was granted to the trust run by Mr Freddy Kenney, an entrepreneur with varied business interests, including property development, for expansions to a shopping complex in Rocklands, Bloemfontein, which attracted key tenants such as a bank and retail chain.
De Oude Solder Meubels
A loan of R1,8 million was granted to this furniture manufacturing concern, which operates two factories in Bloemfontein and supplies 500 independent retail outlets throughout the country.
Ligia Paper Industries
A R7 million loan and equity was invested in this project. It is projected that the venture will provide 500 job opportunities. Black Economic Empowerment participation in the project is estimated at 10% at the outset.
Li-Feng Textiles
The FDC invested R16,2 million to establish a customised, 10 800m² textile manufacturing plant in Harrismith, which is set to eventually provide 2000 direct jobs at full operational capacity. The owners are to make a phased investment totalling R213 million, injecting much-needed capital into this impoverished area.
Tourism
The FDC funded two female entrepreneurs to establish Bed and Breakfast units at a cost of R800 000. Tourism is a growing sector, which has the advantage of a low cost/ job ratio, BEE and women empowerment opportunities. The province as a niche tourism destination continues with the FDC set to increase its market share of the tourist rand.
Bridging finance for RDP housing
The FDC granted bridging finance to the amount of R82,7 million to contractors awarded tenders to build RDP houses in order to assist in the fast tracking of housing delivery. Of the above amount, R23,4 million was awarded to women contractors.
Training
The total number of entrepreneurs trained in various fields was 106. Of this figure 35 individuals were given training on how to tender for government projects, another 30 were trained in business management and the rest in export management.
After-care
FDC provided after-care services to some of its loanees, which assisted entrepreneurs in managing their businesses, especially when problems were experienced. The main objective of this service was to salvage ailing businesses and to ensure that loanees meet their obligations.
Joint ventures
Three joint ventures were approved during the period under review. The total amount allocated was R15,5 million which will create about 352 job opportunities. An amount of R16 million budgeted for projects in specific target sectors will go towards agroprocessing (R1.9 million), tourism (R3,5 million) and manufacturing (R10,1 million). The agroprocessing project is located in Jacobsdal, the tourism project in Bloemfontein and one manufacturing project in Welkom.
HUMAN RESOURCES
Employment Equity
Emanating from the Restructuring and Transformation Process, the following employment equity targets were set:
60% Africans in middle and upper levels of management;
10% Females in middle and upper levels of management;
As at the end of the financial year under review, the employment equity statistics were as follows:
Africans represented 70,31% of the total middle and upper levels of management;
Females represented 17,18% of the total middle and upper levels of management.
Staff training and development
A process is underway to develop a formal training plan for the Corporation as well as individual training and development plans for employees. This will then be followed by a succession plan for the Corporation. Individuals will be selected and placed on a formal protege / mentorship programme for the agreed duration.
Labour relations
Emanating from the Restructuring and Transformation process, a number of labour disputes were lodged with the CCMA. However, the Corporation has thus far been 100% successful in these cases. A pro-active approach has been adopted by the Corporation in this regard and arrangements are being made for the training of staff by the CCMA on, for example, the operations of the CCMA, dispute resolution mechanisms, etc.
Management of HIV/AIDS
The Corporation recognises and acknowledges the seriousness of HIV / AIDS as a medical reality with both social and economic implications. To that end, a formal policy on HIV / AIDS in the workplace was adopted by the Corporation.
Among other objectives, the policy is aimed at:
Minimising the spread of HIV / AIDS infections amongst employees, through education and awareness programmes;
Minimising the social, economic and developmental consequences of the epidemic on the Corporation and its employees, and
Providing resources for the implementation of an HIV / AIDS Management Programme subject to budgetary constraints.
STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS
We seek to build mutually beneficial long-term relationships with all our key stakeholders, which include government, clients, suppliers, business partners and the local communities where we operate.
Customer satisfaction
In 2002 a survey was conducted by an independent research company to assess the perception of clients about the services rendered by FDC and its product offering. Against a target of 70%, a 71% satisfaction level was achieved. The survey highlighted the need for increasing awareness of the services available at FDC and a marketing plan has been developed to address this need. These results were echoed in a similar survey conducted with employees of FDC, which reflected an overall satisfaction level of 71% against a target of 70%. Follow-up measures to address areas of concerns raised by employees have been initiated.
In an endeavour to improve the Corporation's image, a survey will be conducted in the forthcoming financial year to measure perceptions held by the community of the FDC and a target of 5% improvement has been set against a baseline of 70%. The Corporation has revised its branding strategy introducing a new identity that encompasses a new set of brand values that embrace the Corporation's desired market image. In an effort to improve customer satisfaction levels, the Corporation has embarked on a service excellence drive, which will focus on delivering a world-class service to its clients.
The following activities, among others, have been initiated to ensure that the above-mentioned objective is attained:
Educational workshops for targeted small business sectors;
Radio talk shows marketing FDC's products and services;
Regular presentations conducted by the chief executive officer targeting shareholders;
Key stakeholders, potential investors and the media;
Personality of the month award to motivate staff in order to improve customer satisfaction levels, and
In-house training in customer service.
Social investment
The FDC identified the fight against HIV/Aids as an area where its Corporate Social Investment (CS1) programme would make a meaningful contribution to the communities in which it operates, and as a responsible corporate citizen availed a house in Phuthaditjhaba for use as a rehabilitation centre for people living with HIV/Aids.
PROPERTIES
Commercial rental stock
During the 2001/2002 financial year the Corporation's commercial rental stock was under pressure due to the general decline in the economy. A steady increase was, however, experienced in occupancy rates during the 2002/2003 financial year. Despite the labour related problems experienced in Botshabelo, the interest in the area remained unchanged. The Phuthaditjhaba industrial park is picking up and is showing promising signs for future growth.
A major breakthrough was the establishment of Li-feng Textiles, a Taiwanese - South African company that agreed to invest about R213 million in a textile mill in Industriqwa, Harrismith. The project will be completed in 3 phases and will consist of a weaving plant, yarn factory, a dye house and garment factory creating more than 2000 jobs by end 2005. The construction of a 10 800 m² factory to house the first phase started in December 2002 and the factory should be in operation by August 2003. The FDC invested R16,2 million in the first phase of the project. Since the announcement of the project the Corporation has heard from a number of interested investors making enquiries to establish in the area. During the period under review the Corporation established 12 new factories measuring 20 000 m², creating 5 400 new job opportunities.
Housing development
The Grasslands housing development showed a slight decrease with 120 sales amounting to R3,5 million. Since April 2002 the FDC also moved away from financing houses in the Qwaqwa / Bethlehem areas only and extended lending across the province to include cities and towns like Bloemfontein, Welkom, Hennenman, Odendaalsrus, Bultfontein, Senekal, Warden, Tweespruit, Botshabelo, etc.
Loans to the value of R20,1 million were approved, increasing the corporation's interest income to R13,4 million for the 2002/2003 financial period.
Income generated:
Rentals - R34 473 930
Interest on housing loans - R13 422 072
TOTAL - R47 896 002
The Centre for Development Support (CDS) is a progressive research and development unit within the Faculty of Economic and Management Science at the University of the Free State with the broad aim of promoting sustainable human development in the broader South African society. The CDS runs its activities largely in an entrepreneurial fashion and on external funds. It employs a small core of full-time staff, while it also contracts expertise and services at the University or from outside on a programme and project basis.
The CDS also hosts the secretariate of the Premier's Economic Advisory Council (PEAC).
VISION
To be a leading research and training unit promoting sustainable human development
MISSION
Promoting sustainable development through:
conducting applied and policy-orientated research to inform, steer and facilitate development initiatives and programmes;
building capacity through training and development programmes;
having at its disposal a collection of reference, research and documentary material on aspects of development;
maintaining an information system and data base to facilitate socio-economic policy making and planning;
rendering a consultative service on socio-economic development issues and initiatives to clients in the private and public sector, as well as to NGO's and CBO's;
being part of a broad network of national and international development expertise.
The CDS strives to achieve this mission with passion, a spirit of entrepreneurship and through partnerships.
PERSONNEL
Full-time:
Director : Lucius Botes
Hosting PEAC staff : Malinda Mafela, Miriam Oliphant
MDS course co-ordinator : Dorie Olivier
Researchers : Lochner Marais, Deidre Grieshaber, Kholisa Sigenu, Anita Venter, Molefi Lenka (youth project)
Student Assistant : Sibulele Nqabeni
Accredited to the CDS is a host of research associates comprising of academics, consultants, researchers and other reputable and acclaimed professionals, all being utilized to augment the services of the CDS as needs arise.
COMPLETED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTSM
2000
Industrial Development Zone in Botshabelo - Thaba Nchu area
An investigation into Local Development Committee functioning within the Bloemfontein Transitional Local Council
Nationwide audit of Early Childhood Provisioning (ECD) in South Africa : auditing the Free State
Economic consequences and policy implications of the non-payment of municipal services in South Africa
Mosgass Black Empowerment and Community Outreach
2001 & 2002
Economic and policy implications of non-payment of municipal services in SA
Service delivery by the Department of Labour in the Free State province
Service evaluation survey for the University of the Free State
Indigent policy project
A capacity needs assessment of housing officials in the Northern Cape
Bloemfontein as first choice for economic investment
An evaluation of LED Projects in the Free State;
An environmental scan of youth affairs in the Free State;
Report on the Annual Housing Lekgotla
Consumer behaviour and household expenditures for a customer encourage payment programme for Eskom
Language needs and preferences in the Mangaung municipal area
Strategic project identification for local economic development
2003
An evaluation of Community Based Planning in Mangaung Local Municipality, for Khanya-mrc and UK Dept. for International Development
A project for youth research in the Free State in association with the Free State Youth Commission
Demographic changes and trends in the membership structure of the Roman Catholic congregation. For the Oblate of Mary Immaculate Vatican: Rome
Client satisfaction survey for Khanya Managing Rural Change
Review of South African innovations in diversion and re-integration of youth at risk. For the Open Society Foundation
A needs analysis of rental housing needs and affordability in Kimberley, on behalf of the Sol Plaatjies Municipality
A needs analysis of rental housing in Mangaung Local Municipality;
A needs analysis of mineworker housing needs for Harmony Gold
The status of LED in the Free State. In association with the HSRC
Contributing to the State of the Environment Report in Managaung Local Municipality
PARTNERS AND FUNDERS
Amongst the local, provincial, national and international partners of the CDS in research and development are inter alia the National Department of Labour; Local Economic Development Agencies; the UN Office for Project Services, Small Enterprise and Human Development ; the Northern Cape Department of Local Government and Housing; Central Business Incorporated, Bloemfontein; the Free State Youth Commission; Eskom TSI Enterprises; to name just a few. South African as well as international funders of CDS projects include amongst others African Bank; the Centre for the Studies of African Economies, Oxford University; the European Union; World Bank; USAID; Ford Foundation; the Free State Department of Trade and Industry; the Mangaung Local Municipality; National Research Foundation; Mosgass; National Business Initiative; the National Department of Education; Shell South Africa; etc.
PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
The CDS has since 1999 contributed some 35 publications in scientific journals, books, monographs and chapters in books. Numerous presentations by the CDS conferences, congresses and workshops, both inside and outside South Africa, cover an array of relevant subjects.
ACADEMIC SERVICES
The Centre for Development Support offers a two-year Masters in Development Studies programme according to the following prospectus:
MDS 701 Understanding Development/Underdevelopment & Poverty
MDS 702 Governance and Development
MDS 703 Development and the Environment
MDS 704 Applied Development Research
MDS 705 Project Management for Development
MDS 706 Rural and Agrarian Development
MDS 707 Gender and Development
MDS 708 Tourism and Development
MDS 709 Entrepreneurship and Development
MDS 710 Urban Management Development I
MDS 711 Urban Management and Development II
MDS 712 Health and Development
MDS 713 HIV/AIDS and Development
Of the 2003 student intake at CDS, 44% (26 out of 59) are from other African countries, mostly Lesotho (11) and Zambia (8). The CDS is also extensively involved in Post Graduate Supervision, whilst short courses customized to the needs of a variety of governments and governmental institutions are being presented. This is in addition to ongoing consultations and advice being rendered on request to clients on an ad hoc basis.
LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Since it is so critical to the developmental system of South Africa, also in the central region, the CDS exercises a special focus on LED research. Up to now the CDS has in this regard produced the following:
Pre-feasibility Study for the Establishment of an Economic Development Zone (EDZ) in the Free State, 1999
A motivation for an Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) in the Botshableo - Thaba Nchu area
Economic and policy implications of non-payment of municipal services in South Africa, Conducted for USAID
Evaluation system for grading of possible LED projects in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Cape and Eastern Cape. Conducted for the UN Office for Project Services. It also entailed economic profiles of the four provinces, 2002
An evaluation for the Dept. of Local Government and Housing on LED projects in the Free State, 2002
Support the income generating project of the Dept. of Social Development in the Free State, 2002
In association with HSRC drafting report on status of LED in the Free State, 2003
Hosting the CEO of the Premier's Economic Advisory Council
Part of the Mangaung Hub for the development of internships
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