SMME Portal Blog

Africa Competency Development Pty Ltd

Africa Competency Development, a Black Owned Facilitation and Assessment Organisation (formerly known as Competency International), originated in 1996 and was accredited by SAQA as a provider in 2002.

Our excellent track record in facilitating accredited Skills Programmes and Qualifications, in Practitioner, Supervisor and Management skills provides evidence of our professional expertise (see past class list).

All structured learning is facilitated in a workshop format. Learners are guided through the learning outcomes in

2 – 4 day workshops by experienced, passionate facilitators and learning activities. These modular courses, facilitate experiential learning, providing learners with opportunities to link this learning to their life and work situations.

Our practical learner activities allow learners to develop Formative evidence of competence during the workshop. Summative assessment includes a workplace assignment and embedded knowledge questionnaire.
Learners build a portfolio of evidence during these workshops allowing for submission of completed portfolios on the last day. Extensive support and remedial assistance is provided by facilitators.
Special learner needs are dealt with on an individual learner bases. We have previously supported learners with language, sight, transport, lack of resources, etc. We have successfully negotiated solutions & support to enable these learners to achieve competence over a period of time.

Our flexibility of format allow us to facilitate learners from a number of different educational back-grounds, educational levels and having differing home languages.

We operate a 12 hour telephone help-line offering learner assistance,

We do not merely lead learners to competence via the content of the unit standard, but implement learning programmes as vehicles for changing a learners “operating reality”. We pride ourselves on facilitating the

“core / soul” of each of our workshops, which becomes evident during the course. We have been told that our courses “changes lives”.

We utilise the software package “Microsoft Project” for project management and reporting. Our extensive Quality Management System facilitates our project management and all processes are aligned to our company Policies and procedures.

All our projects include:

A Business case (signed contract), Work breakdown structure, (Flow-chart of events to be followed- see generic workshop), Gantt chart, Monthly Status Reports, and Closure Report.

Excellent functioning management and governance structures are evidenced by our re- accreditation as a training provider in by the ETDP Seta in 2006, based on us satisfying this legislative and advocacy requirement.

We are also accredited by the Department of Labor , the Dept of Education and UMALUSI.

We were awarded the Investors in People standard of excellence in 2005, for excellent quality management and governance structures.

We are in the process of an ISO 9001 audit.

Africa Competency Development Our Resource Centres Include:

Western Cape (Head office)                          Ground floor, Liesbeek house, River Park, River Lane, Mowbray

Cape Town                                                     (021) 701 1747

(021) 787 9545

Gauteng                                                          5 Andre Avenue, President Ridge, Randburg

Gauteng                                                          (011) 837 5661

Kwazulu Natal                                                 32 Siesta, Ocean Drive, Balito

Durban                                                            (035) 525 5095

E-mail:                                                             competency@mweb.co.za

SAQA Accreditation

• ETDP – 1973                  Africa Competency Development
• Services Seta – 1905     Levels of Leadership (a subsidiary of Africa Competency Development)

Our organization is comprised of the following employees including a PDI of (S. Petersen, L Leboela and E. Van Leeve and Thozama Mlungwana), four black women and (Carol Jordaan, Pamela Upham, Liezel Ficker, Monica Lotter and Julia Calitz) five white women and one indian man (Satish Komal).

Some of our clients (since 2005) include;

College of Cape Town

City of Cape Town Municipality

Department of Correctional Services

Department of Economic Development and Services

Department of Health (KZN)

False Bay College

Institute of Estate Agents

Koeberg Power Station

Liberty Life

Mossel Bay Municipality

Megabro Computers

Multi Choice

Mnet

Nissan Diesel Trucks

Old Mutual

Pharmacare

Rentokil

SA Navy

Umfolozi College (KZN)

Woolworths

CHIETA

LGSETA

MERSETA

ISETTSETA

SASSETA

1. Introduction

iKhala Architectural Consultants is a Black owned, controlled and managed architecture and construction business that emerged in 2006 with its grassroots in the Eastern Cape.

The fundamental objective is to aggressively expand within the Eastern Cape and other provinces in an effective and sustainable manner. This necessitated establishing a close corporation, with members who will add value through strategic business development, management, corporate governance and meaningful empowerment.

iKhala focuses on the broader spectrum of the built environment profession and offers the following services:-

1. Architectural Design
2. Urban Design and Planning
3. Development Consultancy
4. Construction Project Management
5. Research and Development
6. Special Projects

Each of the above will be run as independent business units while maintaining an alignment to a common strategy.

The opportunities presented by the structural changes in the marketplace through privatization, outsourcing, infrastructure development, tourism initiatives, and IDZ’s, position the construction industry for an impressive growth phase;
iKhala is positioned to capture and take advantage of this anticipated growth.

The company is currently operational in Mthatha, East London and Durban. The company’s business development strategy is about aggressively tendering and quoting for short-term (1week-3months) for the purpose of cash flow, medium term (4-24 months) and long-term (13 to 54months) contracts for sustainability. Another advantage is that contracting offers stable jobs for local communities and can also offer unique opportunities for smaller sub-contractors from previously disadvantaged groups.

Listed below is iKhala Architectural Consultants’s target client base:

1. DoE, K-ZN Natal, Eastern Cape school Building programme
2. Public sector and its implementing agents
3. Golf course estate developments
4. Game Reserves
5. Municipalities
6. Urban development and rehabilitation programmes
7. Parastatals
8. Private sector developments

In order to respond appropriately to the industry and market needs, the company has a strong management skill. Guided and led by an experienced member, we are able to originate concerted efforts to gain in-depth industry and market knowledge. iKhala itself is therefore focused upon and is an expected player in the shaping of the socio-economic landscape of South Africa, within the service delivery agenda of our government.

With an extensive network base and solid track records that the members have in both the public and private sector, it is estimated that the company will secure a reasonable number of anchor projects within the first year     of operation, which will propel the rapid growth of the venture. The diversity in the membership representing business development, operational/ project management, strategic management and finance/ administration areas, allow the company to be highly competitive in the industry.

At the core of iKhala Architectural Consultants’s business development strategy is a strong commitment to promote SMME development and the upholding of BEE imperatives:

1.1 Corporate Objectives

• To create a service orientated company whose primary focus exceeds the clients’ expectations

• To provide a “one-stop” service offering increased productivity and improved service delivery within our core competencies

• To increase the number of clients serviced by 30% per annum through our overall commitment to superior service delivery

• To develop a sustainable contracting landscaping business, funded through sustainable cash flows.

1.2 Corporate Vision

“To become the preferred architectural venture within its core competencies, committed to building a sound reputation for itself through unparalleled service delivery and empowerment throughout the architectural industry.”

1.2 Corporate Mission

“To achieve a reliable reputation for excellence in architectural originality, design and development.  Develop a forward path in promoting environmental education and friendliness as well as natural habitat restoration in all our projects.

To ensure mutually beneficial relationships through service excellence, with competitive prices and within the specific time constraints and budgets.

Madubela maintains a high dependability through the consistent meeting of deadlines and quality assurances.”

1.4 Key Success Factors

• Well-structured BEE company.
• Meaningful investment by members in shaping the businesses’ proposed framework and development strategy.
• Meaningful influence of the supply value chain through the structuring of built environment related BEE businesses.
• Incorporating a client friendly approach, and SMME development in our projects and programmes.
• Well-planned and proper transfer of skills to the pool of Construction related enterprises.
• To design a proactive strategy to support the transformation of business ownership and management control.
• Focus on development and privatisation needs.
• Creation of sustainable job and knowledge transfer.
• Acquisition of businesses and contracts to be used as a launching pad to the construction industry.
• Embark on an aggressive branding strategy and programme.
• Forming a strategic association with an international Architecture and Construction company, with a view to explore an exclusive joint venture alliance.

View iKhala’s company profile

Download iKhala’s Full Profile (200kb PDF)