01 Dec 2016

The Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development, Mr Nonofo Molefhi, says the annual Zhengtai Itlhokotse Development Competitions, provide an opportunity to upskill citizens.

Speaking at the Zhengtai Itlhokotse Development Competitions Day, which was attended by the Vice President Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi,  Mr Molefhi said the initiative was a deliberate action to equip workers.

He commended the Zhengtai for such initiative noting that the competitions broadened the capacity of workforce internally in construction which means in future Botswana will have skilled citizens.

In addition, Mr Molefhi stated that the competitions offered an opportunity for labourers to enhance their skills.

He also mentioned that the competitions brought a platform for the labourers to learn to pay attention to details, to work as a team as well as to learn how to manage resources.

For her part, representative from Chinese Embassy Ms Li Zhi said China continued its efforts through companies like Zhengtai to develop skills and abilities of Botswana.

“Skilled workers play key roles in an advanced industry. A well trained workforce is the guarantee to complete any projects effectively and efficiently with ensured quality,” she said. Ms Zhi noted that in Botswana, Chinese enterprises implemented some practices which impart skills and knowledge to their local employees.

She also highlighted that the competitions are a clear demonstration of implementation of a skills transfer programme, which is needed by a lot of people who don’t have formal education.

She added that Zhengtai Group has shown commitment towards investing in Botswana’s future to ensure that the workers of their company have the ability to improve their knowledge and skills through this programme.

Managing director of Zhengtai Group Mr Dexiang Zhu noted the aim of the competition is to motivate their workforce and appreciate their contribution in their projects.

He stated that Zhengtai Group’s long term commitment is to ensure that the training investment grows to match their expanding workforce in time and enable workers without formal education.

The Zhengtai Itlhokotse Development Competition is meant to develop the abilities of laborers through vocational training to meet the nation’s growing demands for improved workmanship, timely construction delivery. ENDS