FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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APRIL 30, 2024
Kagem Mining and TEVETA sign agreement on industry-focused training
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Kagem Mining has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) to support training of the mine’s staff in industry-specific skills including mechanics, electrics, applied sciences, business studies and automotive and heavy equipment repairs.
“Curating the right skills sets and widening the pool of expertise is critical for the development of the local gemstone and wider mining sector. Kagem has set this as one of our key priorities for continuous performance improvement for our staff,” said Kagem’s Head of Human Resources, Dr Wesley Chishimba.
In a speech read on his behalf by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Technology and Science, Dr Brilliant Habeenzu, Minister of Technology and Science, Honourable Felix Mutati relayed his delight at the industry’s public commitment to actively participate in responding to the challenges of developing a competent human resource in partnership with government through TEVETA to increase workforce employability through technical, vocational and entrepreneurship training (TEVETA) for social economic development and inclusion.
“The government has demonstrated commitment to skills development by consistently providing funds to TEVETA to invest in relevant workforce development in collaboration with industry. Proceeds from the Skills Development Levy are vital enablers in meeting the skills needs of industry for increased productivity,” said Dr Brilliant.
He further noted that the mining sector remains key in the economic development and investing in relevant skills in this sector is very strategic for the country in reshaping its skills set for economic competitiveness and resilience.
TEVETA Director General Mr Cleophas Takaiza echoed the Minister’s sentiments stating that: “TEVETA is about preparing people for jobs. We place emphasis on training, developing competencies, skills, and the underlining knowledge that will make somebody useable, productive and relevant for the jobs be it in formal employment or informal employment.”
Every year TEVETA provides funding for training institutions and organisations to conduct employer-based training on a cost-sharing basis. As a prerequisite for qualification, a company and a training institution must submit a joint proposal to TEVETA requesting funding.
This joint proposal by Kagem and the Northern Technical College (NORTEC) – one of the leading engineering skills training institutes in the country – was submitted to TEVETA, and it was successful. It will be put into effect with the signing of this MoU.
Speaking about the event, Adriaan Prinsloo Kagem’s General Manager, acknowledged that the joint submission is a “vital part of the process as it creates an opportunity for the employer and trainer to align on a clear outline of the training requirements and desired outcomes, in line with industry standards.”
“We believe that the convergence of the goals of the three institutions will not only make for a more holistic training programme but will also help to enhance and strengthen the curriculum baseline which is the building blocks for well-rounded professionals in our sector,” added Dr Chishimba.
Kagem will, in accordance with the stipulations of the programme, spend about ZMW 2,250,800 (USD 85,000) on this training programme.
Upon completion of skills training, participants will receive certificates recognised by TEVETA and the Zambia Qualification Authority (ZAQA).
Dr Chishimba recognised the fact that technological changes are a given and happening at an even faster rate than before, and that industries and economies are constantly aspiring to higher standards as ESG – environment, social and governance – issues increasingly become a focus driver for organisational growth and operations.
“To accelerate innovations that will support sustainability and efficiency across mine operations, mining firms need to take on a more hands-on approach by collaborating with learning institutions and policy bodies to upskill and reskill employees’ skill sets to bridge the skills gap,” he said.
Dr Chishimba added that he was optimistic about the efforts being made in carving out a new trajectory for Employer Based Training in the country as it sought to promote and implement programmes that will create a pool of local experts that are able to take on the challenges and opportunities of the current and future demands of the mining industry, which is crucial for the development of the sector, and is vital for its growth and contribution to the overall economy of the country.
-Ends-
Enquiries
Gillian Langmead
Langmead & Baker Ltd
Tel: +260 979 060705
info@langmead.com
Head office
Helena Choudhury
Head of PR and Communications
Tel: +44 (0)207 518 3420 / +44 (0)7493 237598
helena.choudhury@gemfields.com
Albertina Namburete
PR Manager
Tel: +44 (0)783 325 7387
Albertina.namburete@gemfields.com
Kagem responsible sourcing highlights
- Kagem is committed to ensuring that the community continues to benefit positively from its operations through various sustainability programmes focused on alleviating poverty and aligned with government policies, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Vision 2030.
- Up to December 2022, Kagem had spent USD 3 million on community projects, and has committed further.
- Kagem constructed, expanded and rehabilitated 5 schools providing education to more than 2,000 students.
- Kagem committed USD 345,000 on top of previous provisions of USD 345,000 in university scholarships in geology and mining engineering.
- Kagem and Gemfields Foundation built and equipped two computer labs at Kapila Primary School and Chapula Secondary School.
- Kagem constructed 1 fully equipped health centre, the Nkana Health Centre, serving a population of 10,000.
- Kagem improved Chief Nkana and Chief Lumpuma’s palaces and rehabilitated 18.7km road connecting Chief Nkana and Chief Lumpuma’s chiefdoms.
- Kagem provides support to 7 farming associations benefiting more than 100 farmers and their families.
- Kagem supports the Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP) having committed a total of USD 400,000 since 2018 to 2027 and provided a one-off donation of USD 70,000 to the North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP).
- Kagem signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Zambia to fund the construction of the Chapula Vocational Training Centre in Lufwanyama.
- Kagem employs more than 1,000 people, of which, 94% are Zambian nationals.
About Kagem Mining
Kagem Mining Ltd, based in Lufwanyama, is believed to be the world’s single largest producing emerald mine. Kagem is 75% owned by Gemfields, in a model partnership with the Zambian government.
Kagem aims to emulate the values of Gemfields and operate in a way that contributes positively to the national economy, while taking a leading role in modernising the coloured gemstone sector and building sustainable livelihoods for the communities around the mine. Kagem believes that coloured gemstones should be mined and marketed by championing three key values – transparency, legitimacy and integrity.
Gemfields is a world-leading responsible miner and marketer of coloured gemstones. In addition to Kagem, Gemfields is the operator and 75% owner of Montepuez Ruby Mining in Mozambique (at one of the most significant recently discovered ruby deposits in the world), as well as bulk sampling licences in Ethiopia, amongst others.
Gemfields has developed a proprietary grading system and a pioneering auction and trading platform to provide a consistent supply of coloured gemstones to the global jewellery market.
Fabergé – an iconic name with an exceptional heritage – is a member of the Gemfields Group. The beauty of Fabergé’s designs and craftsmanship, helps to raise consumer awareness of responsibly mined coloured gemstones.
As well as supplying a significant share of the world’s rough rubies and emeralds, Gemfields initiates activations to build desire for coloured gemstones: for example, collaborations with international jewellery brands and other creative partners. Often surprising, unexpected and unique, these collaborations are chosen to promote consumer awareness and increase the appeal of coloured gemstones, raising their profile, and, in turn, providing greater benefit to their place of origin in Africa.
Gemfields: Gemfields.com | Investors | Foundation | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
Fabergé: Fabergé.com | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
Kagem Mining: LinkedIn
Montepuez Ruby Mining: LinkedIn