39 artisans from Limpopo and Northen Cape are undergoing an automotive repair training programme which will assist them in gaining panel beating and automotive spray-painting skills and starting new businesses. 

The programme is a joint initiative between Anglo American’s enterprise development arm, Zimele, and partners 3M and Super Auto Paints. It aims to equip individuals with the skills to excel in the automotive sector, contributing to job creation, sustainable livelihoods, economic development and social upliftment in Anglo American’s host communities across the country.

The programme was launched in September last year with 18 participants from six autobody shops near the Mogalakwena Complex in Mokopane. Twenty more participants have joined the programme, from Sishen Mine’s host communities near Kathu with plans of providing ongoing business and possible expansion of the programme to more participants in the industry.

The Collision Repair Programme runs over four months, providing theoretical background and practical automotive repair experience to participants. Structured to provide insights on vehicle refurbishment in the non-structural repair category, the training also makes provision for on-the-job support, which includes mentorship on business fundamentals relating to the panel beating industry.

Head of Anglo American’s Enterprise Development programme, Larisha Naidoo, said: “This programme is about so much more than fixing vehicles. We know that the industry has a serious shortage of skilled artisans, so this is part of Anglo American’s commitment to build sustainable livelihoods for the people in our host communities that will sustain them beyond the life of mining activities. For small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs, this initiative equips participants with vital skills in panel beating and automotive body repairs. This type of skill sets can be used for self-employment purposes and create employment opportunities.”

“It is so rewarding to see the benefits this programme is bringing to participants,” said Dawn Isdale, Country Governance Leader and Director at 3M South Africa. “Sharing our global expertise in collision repair solutions is not just about improving throughput at panel shops; it’s about equipping individuals with skills that will have a lifetime impact.”

Both 3M and Super Auto Paints have committed to continuing their support of the panel shops in Mokopane after the completion of the training programme, to ensure that these businesses continue to transform and grow.

• Walter Modise from the Kalahari Group in the Northern Cape praised the programme’s depth, saying, he has been inspired by the knowledge imparted by the trainers. “I now approach panel beating and spray painting with renewed confidence, thanks to the cutting-edge technology and equipment introduced to us,” he said.

Confidence Mothelesi from 3K Auto Body Repairs in the Northern Cape also noted, “I have learned so much this past week. The skills I’ve gained and the practical examples have truly impacted my work. I’m grateful for this opportunity and look forward to more like it.”

Naidoo emphasises the far-reaching impact of the initiative: “Anglo American is excited about the potential of this programme to strengthen the sector, create jobs, and empower entrepreneurs in our host communities,” she said. “South Africa has a great need for skilled artisans, and we are delighted to be able to contribute to closing this gap wherever we have operations.”