EMERGING CONTRACTOR MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME – HOUSING

• Othandweni as an accredited training provider with the CETA has developed a model to mentor, train and develop Emerging contractors to progress into fully fledge contractors over a period of time level of skill and competency of the Individual.
• This model has been developed because we believe in true and complete empowerment. Training is the Key to sustainable and truly broad-based economic empowerment. We are however realistic that real empowerment is a process. The need to empower emerging contractors within communities where housing projects have been identified is not negotiable.  It is a fact that communities do not welcome outside contractors as it is seen as taking away business and job opportunities from the local community.
• Further Othandweni shares the vision of the Ethekwini Municipality that housing contracts should not be given to establish Contractors whose sole purpose is to rape the system by maximizing profit at the expense of leaving the community with very little if any skills once they have completed their construction activities
• Although at present our model does not cost the Ethekwini any money, it is our intention to introduce a fee per house to introduce additional training and mentorship intervention in the future that will benefit the emerging contractor to become a fully fledge contractor depending on his or her capabilities.
• The training and development of emerging contractors is carried out over a period of time until we feel that the emerging contractor has grasp a sufficient level of understanding of managing and completing a successful contract. Our services also cater for a phasing out mentorship assistance should the emerging contractor require further assistance in the future.
• The adage has been long toted, but in teaching a man to fish rather than giving him a fish empowers him to feed himself for a lifetime. It is on this very premise that the emerging contractor mentorship programme is based.
• The objective of the mentorship, training and development, which incorporates the following basic requirements for operating a successful business, is to achieve the following :-
• The creation of emerging contractors in the areas where housing projects are identified through a  joint venture agreement entered between Othandweni Training Centre (the mentor) and the Emerging Contractor:-

• To formalise the emerging contractor registration with all compulsory authorities
• To uplift the emerging contractor from a CIDB 1GB to CIDB 3 GB
• To assist the emerging contractor with basic industrial relations and resource management
• To provide the emerging contractor bridging finance throughout the project/joint venture
• To provide a line of credit to the emerging contractor for working capital
• To provide assistance with the processing of progress claims, wages and creditors
• To emphasize the need to finishing the project timeously
• To teach the emerging contractor:-

• how to read a drawing and takeoff
• basic tendering/pricing and contractual obligations
• how to procure material, plant and labourour uniquely created milestone targets
• the task method to be utilised for his workforce
• the importance of having contract insurance on projects
• the importance of project planning
• correct construction skills and corrective technical support
• basic financial management, financial discipline, banking and business administration
• how to operate a successful and profitable business