MEC Rachoene launched the Limpopo Contractor Development Programme as he welcomes 36 emerging contractors

Tonny Rachoene, MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure.

Limpopo MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, Tonny Rachoene has officially launched the Limpopo Contractor Development Programme (LCDP) at Vuwa Lodge in Polokwane on Thursday as part an initiative to grow the professional pool of contractors in the province.

This positive initiative received plethora appreciation from various stakeholders countrywide after witnessing Rachoene’s effort to boost the economy of Limpopo province by empowering emerging contractors to fight unemployment by creating more job opportunities.

MEC Rachoene welcomed 36 people, majority of whom are the youth to participate in the LCDP under his department. 

“The objective of this important project is to develop and skill emerging contractors who are at lower Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) grading of level 2 and 3 and within 36 months, these contractors will be thoroughly developed to a competitive level of grade 4 and 5. Of the 36 emerging contractors that we enrolled, 67% are young people and 53% of these learners are women. During the period of this development, their economic status will be uplifted, poverty levels will be reduced, and the Department shall have produced skilful men and women contractors who will be capable of delivering quality and sustainable infrastructure projects and create job opportunities for the people of Limpopo,” Rachoene said.

“This programme, co-sponsored by our national counterparts under the Vuku’phile initiative, marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to capacitate, support, and grow our emerging contractors, especially those from historically disadvantaged communities. The purpose of the Limpopo Contractor Development Programme is more than just a training initiative – it is a long-term investment in the people of Limpopo. Through this programme, we seek to create a sustainable pipeline of qualified, experienced, and empowered contractors who can play a meaningful role in the delivery of infrastructure in our province.”

He said 7th administration of the ANC led government, under the stewardship of  Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba acknowledges its responsibility to grow the provinces professional pool as far as the build environment is concerned.

As part of combating poverty, Rachoene said this programme will go a long way in touching the lives of the less unfortunate.

“Gone are the days where young people just idle at home and not participate in the economy. They must be active participants in the economy through the SMME’s as well those acquiring permanent jobs," the MEC said.

Baley a week, the Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure responded positively to the creation of jobs as directed by the priorities of the 7th administration.

In December 2024, the department led by Rachoene unveiled at least 174 newly appointed officials to bolster human resources and assist in the roads infrastructure space.

About a week earlier, he further welcomed 168 new officials appointed on a permanent basis, joining the Public Service to serve the people of Limpopo.

MEC Rachoene touched the heart of many after creating 342 permanent jobs within a period of 5 months stressing that these were not just numbers, but efforts to strengthen internal capacity.  

“When we talk about contributing to the reduction of unemployment and addressing capacity challenges, we are not just paying lip service, we have a human resource department that works around the clock to ensure we get more people to actively participate in the economy of the country.

We are committed to building a department fully reliant on itself for services we can render without outsourcing. Some of our challenges as a government, require practical solutions,” he said.

In conclusion, MEC Rachoene urged the department’s emerging contractors to take this opportunity seriously and respect their mentors.

Limpopo MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, Tonny Rachoene has officially launched of the Limpopo Contractor Development Programme (LCDP) at Vuwa Lodge in Flora Park in Polokwane on Thursday.