Grade 7 Scholarship Program
May 1, 2014
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
May 4, 2014
The Philani Cooperative Development Project was founded by Phyllis Malope in 2001 to support young people in the Zuurbekom area. Over time, the initiative expanded to assist anyone in the community and surrounding areas who needed resources to start their own businesses and develop self-employment skills.
Initially, the program focused on providing computer training for youth after school. As it grew, it introduced additional technical skills, including plumbing, welding, agriculture, and more. The primary goal of the training was to equip community members with the knowledge and expertise needed to establish cooperatives and, where possible, create job opportunities for others.
In 2015, the South Deep Community Trust, South Deep Education Trust, and South Deep Mine began supporting micro-projects within Philani. Although the Trusts’ funding period has ended, South Deep Mine continues to provide assistance for certain ad hoc project needs.
Through this initiative, nearly 300 individuals received training, and 22 cooperatives successfully launched their own businesses.
Total spend: Over R3.8 million
Total People Trained: 300
