The Beefmaster Group’s investment in training and people development initiatives in 2023 is commendable, not only for its substantial financial commitment but also for its positive impact on communities in North West and the Northern Cape.
According to the Beefmaster Group, the initiative in Christiana and Kimberley has directly benefitted 233 individuals and marked a significant increase in investment since 2022. The company demonstrates a strong dedication to employee growth and community development, they said.
Training and learnerships
Cindy Nkgoeng, human resources manager at Beefmaster Group, said in 2023 they invested over R4 million in training, marking a 230% increase since 2022.
“Investing in our employees is at the core of our business philosophy, we believe that the growth and development of our team members are pivotal to our success. We are proud to have contributed to youth employment,” she said.
Nkgoeng explained that the initiatives included learnerships, artisan training, and bursaries. More than 150 individuals completed learnerships in fresh meat processing, while 40 unemployed individuals received certificates in food and beverage handling.
“We have hired 20 individuals who completed the food and beverage handling learnership. One bursary holder completed their degree while employed by the company,” she said.
Looking forward to 2024, Nkgoeng expressed their commitment to continuing employee development.
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Opportunities to grow
“We remain committed to providing our employees with opportunities to grow and learn. This year we will continue offering bursaries to support employees in completing formal qualifications, learnerships, and courses aimed at acquiring diverse skill sets.
“We believe that by investing in the continuous development of our workforce, we not only empower our employees but also contribute to the overall growth of our community,” she said.
Nkgoeng said in the context of regional unemployment challenges, Beefmaster Group’s initiatives stand out as a proactive response to address these issues.
“By providing opportunities for re-skilling, up-skilling, and skills development, the company not only enhances the employability of individuals but also contributes to the broader economic growth of the community,” she said.
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