Question NW2832 to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
05 January 2022 - NW2832
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1) What number of contractors have been included in the contractor development programme, known as the Vuk’uphile Learnership programme, in North West which commenced in 2014; (2) What was the official Construction Industry Development Board (CIBD) grading for each contractor at the (a) commencement and (b) conclusion of the programme; (3) (a) What number of contractors that were initially included left the programme and (b) for what reason did they leave; (4) (a) What number of contractors have received preferential appointment on North West Department of Public Works and Roads projects after the Public Protector’s intervention and (b) for how long will each specified contractor continue to receive such preferential appointment?
Reply:
1) I have been informed that Sixty three (63) Contractors were selected to be trained through the programme when the North West Department of Public Works and Roads started the programme in 2014.
2) a) The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) grading levels, at the (a) commencement and (b) currently, are as per the attached list of contractors.
b) The programme has not yet been concluded and the grading levels of each contractor will be noted as and when contractors exit the Programme.
3) a) Two (2) contractors have left the programme since commencement.
b) The reasons are as follows:
Kei 2 Trading Enterprise contractor has passed on.
Technofacture 413 cc contractor was appointed as a public official within South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
4) a) Sixty (60) contractors have been awarded practical training projects through the North West Department of Public Works and Roads (DPWR) after the Public Protector’s intervention.
b) The contractors will continue to receive preferential treatment for a period of three (3) years from the 1st of November 2021 or when they attain the targeted grade whichever comes first.