THE DEFINITIVE TRUCKING SITE

April 2009

Mfundo Ndevu reassembles a differential.

In these times when companies are cutting marketing budgets, it is heartening to see that the trucking industry is still investing in the future skills needs of the industry. From helping with the curriculum to equipping the workshops with equipment and tools, the industry is making sure that skilled labour is coming out of Soweto via the Ithemba Institute of Technology writes Andrew Parker. 

The noble side of South Africa’s road transport industry shone brightly over the Ithemba Institute of Technology in Soweto as Scania Southern Africa underlined its commitment of support and assistance with the donation of a 12- litre F94 bus engine and several crates of corporate clothing. 

Scania (Sweden) through its local subsidiary and the Swedish Trade Council (STC), have been assisting the Institute in various ways since its inception in 2004. To date, the Swedish trucking giant with the soft heart has helped equip the Institute’s technical workshops and helped coordinate training projects in conjunction with industry partners to ensure that students are exposed to the latest products and technical best practices. 

Teacher Martin Madzena, centre, describes the vagaries of vehicle electronics to learners, Milton Mvubu (blue overalls), Dineo Nkwana, far right, and Ontong Alridge.

Last year, for example, Scania donated IT equipment to the institute. The latest donation is a continuation of the company’s endeavours. 

Speaking at the handover, Ithemba principal, Uzendt Peters said it is important for education to work hand-in-hand with industry to ensure the skills the learners are taught are in line with the needs and requirements of industry. 

“It is through this kind of communication and co-operation that industry plays an invaluable role in rebuilding the South African economy,” he said. 

Scania SA managing director Christoffer Ljungner says Scania and the STC have been involved for some time and are looking forward to an ongoing partnership with the institute. 

He adds that as a major stakeholder in the trucking industry in South Africa, it is in Scania’s best interests to assist in establishing a skills pool from which it - and others in the trucking industry - can draw to help alleviate the critical skills shortages in this country. 

Christopher Crookes, service marketing manager at Scania SA, has been at the forefront of the company’s support at Ithemba and is passionate about his company’s role in its development. “It is nice to see all these young people working and learning together.” 

Peters says he is particularly pleased with the donation of the six-cylinder, 12-litre, F94 engine as it is still in active service in South and Southern Africa. “We have an engine that is still being used on the road, so this is a very genuine donation,” he said. 

Members of the Swedish Trade Council, Ithemba Institute of technology staff and representatives from Scania Southern Africa pose with the a P94 bus engine donated to the Institute by Scania SA’s Swedish parent.

Long may she run! Christopher Crookes, Scania Southern Africa service marketing manager, Scania SA MD, Christoffer Ljungner and Ithemba Institute of Technology principal, Uzendt Peters admire the 12-litre, F94 bus engine donated to the institute by Scania SA’s Swedish parent.

Scania SA’s national area manager – promotions and communications, Gideon Swart, notes that the Institute has attracted a lot of attention for various industry stake holders including Cummins and MAN. 

“While we may compete among ourselves in the marketplace, the Institute is a place where we work together for the benefit of the learners and our industry.” Swart says. 

Ithemba is divided into three educational institutions: an FET school (Grade 10 – 12); an FET college teaching technical skills to graduates of the school; and a place which offers adult education in the evenings. Quite importantly, Ithemba places great emphasis on mathematics, technology, engineering, computers, science and information communications technology On the technical side it offers skills in welding, diesel mechanics, electrical engineering, fitting and turning, and hydraulics. 

Peters says, generally speaking, industry and education are two separate entities which work in very different circles. A former teacher in a state school, he believes that if skills-dependent industries need skilled labour, and learners need jobs, industry has to be brought into the education field. 

In addition to supporting the school, many sponsors sit on the school board where they have direct input in enabling skills development in their particular field. Also of note is that these same sponsors will provide access to the workplace for the learners once they have completed their training. 

Ithemba has a serious lesson for South Africa at large - that a privatepublic partnership can be used to solve the serious problem of skills in our country. 

In addition to Scania, Ithemba’s major sponsors are MAN, J&J, the Swedish Trade Commission, Dell, Atlas Copco, Johannesburg City Power, Alstom and IESA.