Concern over shortage of skilled workers - 29/09/2006
A committee responsible for overseeing the pending implementation of new and revised standards and regulations for SA’s lifts and escalators sector says large upcoming projects, such as Gautrain and developments for the 2010 soccer World Cup, will need skilled people. Bruno Isler, who heads the committee which comprises important participants and stakeholders in the industry sector, predicts that, owing to the huge increase in the volume of work, there is danger of a shortage of skilled people. For its part, Schindler Lifts contributes to training and skills development through the establishment of accredited in-house training centres. Learnership and employee apprenticeship development programmes cover non- technical and higher and lower technical levels. Individuals are groomed for various positions in the industry and empowered through education. The aim is to ensure sustainable and profitable growth as well as continuity within the company and the industry as a whole.
With the 2010 World Cup in mind, insurance company Lombard has introduced, in addition to its already well-established construction guarantee portfolio, a performance-guarantee product for emerging contractors in response to the government’s expressed wish that some of the infrastructure projects be awarded to them. Mining Weekly reports that ompany spokesman Johnny Symmonds said he is optimistic about all the businesses that the company is involved in, especially, contract guarantees and construction. ’We believe the 2010 soccer World Cup will present opportunities for the company and are confident that our clients are going to be in the frontline of winning contracts related to preparations for the event,’ adds Symmonds.
There are growing concerns that South Africa may have to recruit skilled artisans from overseas to fill key posts for various World Cup projects. There is a need for millwrights, electricians, fitters and turners, pattern makers, injection moulders and tool, jig and die makers. Thousands of skilled artisans would have to be imported from countries such as Australia and Dubai to fill jobs due to the major artisan shortage, according to the managing director of one of the country’s leading labour brokers. The Cape Times reports that Shaun Day, of Kelly Industrial, said the combination of decreasing numbers of school-leavers entering the industry and many of the artisans taking their skills abroad was dangerous for an economy dependent on industry, manufacturing and production.
’Fair deal’ for small businesses in 2010 - 19/07/2006
Although Fifa has big business as its official sponsors for the WC, small businesses in the country will receive a ’fair deal’ to benefit from the 2010 tournament. According to a report on the SouthAfrica.info site, "Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Elizabeth Thabethe, said that there has been a lot of discussions around how small business can benefit from 2010, particularly because Fifa has a lot of rules (regarding official sponsorships). Thabethe said according to LOC CE, Danny Jordaan, SMMEs would have ample opportunities to conduct their business at venues outside stadiums."
David Ndlovu is plenty excited about the WC. Ndlovu and millions of other soccer fans expect when the 2010 WC comes to SA, bringing the eyes of the world - and presumably a deep, rushing river of cash - to a nation once known mostly for its odious racial policies. The Washington Post reports that "many, like Ndlovu, also are determined to cash in on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. South Africans are preparing to rent out their houses, peddle food from mobile kitchens, shuttle fans to games and sell Vuvuzelas."
Conference geared towards 2010 roleplayers - 29/05/2006
A conference is underway to ensure that municipalities are able to contribute to the successful hosting of the 2010 WC. According to a report on the News24 site, "the conference has also given other role-players, especially business, a chance to seize opportunities during preparations for the tournament and beyond, for which government will be spending over R400bn."
SA textile industry needs 2010 WC contract - 07/05/2006
Will SAs battered textile industry benefit from the highly lucrative WC 2010 soccer merchandise splurge? The Pretoria News reports that "sales of T-shirts, jerseys, flags, scarves, hats, caps and other soccer paraphernalia are expected to sky-rocket, generating millions for the industry. But fears abound that the lucrative contracts might go to China."
Tourist guides are learning foreign languages - 24/04/2006
Tourist guides in Mpumalanga are being trained to speak foreign languages and will be ready by the time South Africa hosts the 2010 WC. According to an allAfrica.com report, "provincial economic development and planning MEC William Lubisi told a meeting of the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa that receptionists, petrol attendants, taxi drivers and other front line representatives should also be prepared for the soccer showpiece."
South Africans are confident that the 2010 WC will bring increased job opportunities and improved economic growth to the country, according to a survey conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council. The Star reports that "respondents also believed that the event would consolidate South Africas position in the international arena. However, respondents were almost equally divided whether these expected benefits would be of a lasting or short term nature. A total of 47% believed the benefits of hosting the event would be long term, while 44% said the benefits would be short term."
New soccer World Cup business unit at IDC - 22/10/2004
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has created a new business unit for the purpose of the 2010 soccer World Cup (SWC) to be held in SA. Engineering News reports that "the unit, named 2010! SWC Business Funding, will aim to provide various types of funding, such as working capital, guarantees and secured contract funding, to medium and large businesses which hope to take up some of the many opportunities on offer in the run-up to, and during, the even."
