What We Do

• Contractor Development
• Talent Development
• Bridgebuilding

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Contractor Development

Women owned companies represent approximately 40% of the contractors registered with the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) in Grades 2-4. This is a significant percentage and is even higher when Grade 1 companies are added to the list. Though the vast majority of the Grade 1 and 2 companies are entry level enterprises, the entrepreneurs we work with show a great sense of pride in their businesses and are determined to develop successful, growing companies.

We have found that when these women are provided with the necessary skills, experience, resources and support, they are able to thrive and contribute to the growth of the industry.

Khuthaza has been involved in contractor development for over 8 years. Our contractor development offerings have grown over the years and now cater to a diverse array of businesses. Our women come from different construction disciplines and have varying levels of experience.

We encourage greater mastery of a particular specialisation amongst contractors and hope to expand training in line with that principle. Though our contractor development programmes are currently only offered in Gauteng, we hope to expand our services to other provinces in the future.

Our contractor development programmes are unique in that they are made up of 11 components which offer entrepreneurs a comprehensive platform through which they can develop their skills, knowledge, networks, experience and access to industry opportunities. Ongoing motivation and support complement the following components. The activities within each component vary according to the programme level.

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PROGRAMME COMPONENTS	DESCRIPTIONS/ACTIVITIES
Assessments	Evaluate the participant’s personal and business development. This info will be useful in identifying areas for development, setting goals and accessing opportunities in the industry.
Career | Business Guidance	Information to enable participants to consider options in terms of career development and business specialization.
Personal Development	Leadership, team building, professionalism, presentation and negotiation skills.
Training	Seminars, workshops and formal training targeting a range of skills.
Business Tools	Industry information, business systems, software, templates and other tools to facilitate business development and efficiency.
Networking	Opportunities to engage with others in the industry including SAFCEC, MBSA and a range of stakeholders.
Exposure	Site visits, exposure to specialist businesses and opportunities to interact with established industry.
Advisory	Links to advisors in various aspects of business.
Linkages	Info on and links to appropriate resources, development programmes and BEE opportunities
Giving Back	Opportunities to share while gaining experience.

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2011 Contractor Programmes

Open courses (Various levels)

A number of open courses will be offered through the year. Courses will be listed in the calendar.

Excavation

The Excavation programme is targeted to those who are exploring the construction sector and the idea of setting up a construction business. Through these activities we aim to assist people to decide whether or not construction is the right industry for them and to help them think through the pros and cons of running their own business. This programme will assist new entrants to do some of the market research anyone should undertake before starting a business.

Programme activities are offered throughout the year and are open to anyone.

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Certificate Programmes

Cornerstone (Entry level)

The Cornerstone programme is targeted to women who have had some exposure to construction but are still in the early phases of establishing a construction company.
If you have made the decision that you are ready to begin developing your own business but need a solid foundation upon which to build, this programme is for you! The Cornerstone programme will provide you with a base of knowledge, skills and networks to build upon.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong interest in developing a construction company, good entrepreneurial potential, and a commitment to learning from all angles.
This is an 8 month certificate programme (March – November) taking place in Joburg.
Programme Objectives
The Khuthaza Cornerstone programme creates a forum through which programme participants are able to build a foundation of knowledge and skills.
This programme sets out to provide new/recently established businesses with:
 General start-up information for businesses
 A basic understanding of the operations of a construction company
 A general awareness of the industry (role-players, regulatory environment, construction economy etc)
 A basic foundation of business knowledge and technical skills
 Access to the experience and skills of others in the Khuthaza network, particularly other women involved in the sector
 Exposure that will assist you to set plans on how to go about gaining experience and further developing your businesses
 Opportunities to gain a level of practical experience
 Personal and professional development skills
 Information related to accessing and managing business finance
 Information related to areas of specialisation within the construction sector
 Entry into the industry pipeline
 Encouragement and support

Expectations
Participants should be willing and able to:
 Attend at least 85% of the programme activities (mainly Saturdays)
 Attend a limited number of weekday training and site visits (advanced notice will be given)
 Demonstrate that they have already had some level of exposure to the construction industry and the potential to run a successful construction business.
 Demonstrate a strong ethical character and commitment to the long term development of their businesses
 Keep Khuthaza informed of any projects undertaken while involved in the programme
 Travel to training centres and construction sites across Gauteng
 Demonstrate basic computer skills
Access to a cellphone is essential but access to a computer, email and internet is highly recommended.

CLICK HERE for the programme document

Connection (Intermediate level)

The Connection programme is targeted to women with at least a year of experience running their own construction companies. Applicants should be involved in the business full time and interested in improving the efficiency, effectiveness and profitability of their operations. Applicants should have registered companies and be compliant with regulatory obligations. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their potential, commitment to business, and the appropriate level of knowledge and experience.
This is an 8 month certificate programme (March – November 2011) taking place in Joburg.
Programme Objectives
The Khuthaza Connection programme creates a forum through which programme participants are able to build upon existing knowledge and skills. The programme will also provide participants with access to industry role-players and opportunities with the established sector. The programme aims to provide participants with skills, exposure, networks and knowledge that will enable you to improve the efficient operations of your companies and engage more effectively with the industry.
This programme sets out to:
 Enhance business, professional and technical skills
 Enable participants to have a greater understanding of the sector
 Improve your ability to access finance
 Encourage specialisation
 Improve your ability to deal with financial, commercial, and contractual issues
 Provide participants with access to BEE related information and opportunities
 Facilitate access to skills, knowledge and tools that should lead to an improvement in a contractor’s ability to deliver projects on time, within budget and of good quality
 To develop the pipeline of contractors into the Re a abelana programme and the industry

Expectations
Participants should be willing and able to:
 Attend at least 85% of the set programme dates
 Demonstrate a strong ethical character and commitment to the long term development of their businesses
 Keep Khuthaza informed of all new contracts entered into while involved in the programme
 Share information on their company (including credit status) to enable Khuthaza and our partners to identify areas for development and to measure that development
 Make their company profiles available to our partners in the industry
 Be verified in terms of BEE to ensure maximum access to opportunities
 Produce annual financial statements (at least by end of programme)
 Provide company registration information and documentation required to prove that participants will qualify for Enterprise Development under the BEE Codes of Good Practice
 Demonstrate their experience and have access to critical resources such as their own transport, computer and reliable internet/email

CLICK HERE for the programme document

Re a abelana (More Experienced)

Building a knowledge and network base that inculcates creative and sustainable avenues for business growth.
Re a abelana is for the more experienced contractor looking to grow her business. Contractors in this programme should have a minimum of three years experience running a construction company, be fully compliant with all regulatory obligations and have completed at least 3 significant projects. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their potential, commitment to business, and the appropriate level of knowledge and experience.
This is an 8 month certificate programme (March – November 2011) taking place in Joburg.
Programme Objectives
Re a abelana creates a forum through which programme participants have greater access to leaders in the industry and opportunities with the established sector. The programme aims to provide participants with skills, exposure, networks and knowledge that will enable them to grow their businesses and plan for the long term.
This programme sets out to:
 Enable participants to have a greater understanding of the sector and to effectively engage with the established construction industry
 Assist contractors to identify areas for business development
 Improve the contractors’ ability to access finance
 Provide participants with avenues to develop their skills – particularly focusing on project management, leadership and financial skills
 Improve their ability to deal with financial, commercial, and contractual issues
 Facilitate access to BEE related opportunities
 Facilitate access to skills, knowledge and tools that should lead to an improvement in a contractor’s ability to deliver projects on time, within budget and of good quality.

Expectations
Participants should be willing and able to:
 Attend an interview (new applicants) or meeting with our Re a abelana panel
 Attend at least 85% of the programme activities
 Demonstrate a strong ethical character and commitment to the long term development of their businesses
 Keep Khuthaza informed of all new contracts entered into while involved in the programme
 Participate in an assessment process for development purposes
 Make their company profiles available to our partners in the industry
 Be verified in terms of BEE to ensure maximum access to opportunities
 Produce annual financial statements
 Provide company registration information and documentation required to prove that participants will qualify for Enterprise Development under the BEE Codes of Good Practice
 Demonstrate the relevant level of experience
 Have access to critical resources such as their own transport, computer and reliable internet/email.

CLICK HERE for the programme document