EMPOWERING YOUTH WITH TECH SKILLS

Arebone Building Enterprise (ABE) i s one of few companies in South Africa that focuses on driving technical growth and providing opportunities for youth in the country. Despite the difficulties of its construction landscape, ABE has encouraged young people from all backgrounds to pursue vocational skills in this industry.

ABE has a uniquely impressive history. Founded in 2012 by Dwaine Moth, an expert Civil Engineer, the Johannesburg based company has grown to employ over 38 people from different backgrounds and ages who have been loyal for more than 10 years now. Women and youth can both find their place here, proving that this business knows no boundaries when it comes to progress. TransformSA had the opportunity to speak with Dwaine and uncover his fascinating tale of entrepreneurship, from starting a small business venture to overcoming unforeseen challenges.

In South Africa, where unemployment is an unfortunate reality and stands at a troubling 32.7%, Dwaine has made it his mission to transform lives by creating job opportunities for youth who make up the majority of that percentage. With determination in spades, he’s demonstrating what one person can do to create sweeping change.

“When young people prove that they are serious about employment, I call everyone in and ask each to tell me how and what can do to impact lives,” Dwaine told TransformSA.

Dwaine understands that a diverse team is essential to success, especially if you live in a country with a history of inequality. He emphasizes the importance of providing equal opportunities for women and people from all backgrounds are key components that can help his business reach its greatest potential.

“Diversity is simply respecting the next person and what they believe in or stand for. The next person’s beliefs and backgrounds are respected.”

“Every employee regardless of race or creed is given an opportunity (training etc.), to prove themselves. We’re also considering rotating work and providing the necessary skills and training,” he said.

“Women and the youth are the fibre which holds Arebone together. It is an indisputable fact that they are the future leaders. Arebone believes in caring for and empowering women and the youth,” Dwaine explained.

In the coming years, Arebone is set to expand its offerings and explore uncharted territory. With exciting plans in store for the future, this innovative company aims to further demonstrate its range of expertise and capabilities. “We anticipate our workforce to grow exponentially. Watch this space.”

Having worked for ABE since 2020, Belinda Minnies says she felt welcome right away. “I learnt a lot and am still learning. How do the work thoroughly and how to be proud of what I do,” said Belinda

We must work together with all people. It’s important

“We can only improve ourselves by diligently striving to be the best, and not letting anything stop our rise to the top,” said Belinda.

Leonie Henwood joined Arebone in August 2019, and it didn’t take long for her to feel a strong connection with the team. After settling into her role, she felt like she had always been part of them - as if this was where she belonged all along.

“I have been unemployed for a very long time prior to my working at Arebone. I’ve learned that we are one team working towards a common goal. I started as a cleaner, but was soon promoted to supervisor,” said Leonie.

“We have to be of one accord, working for the same goals. That being said, we must learn to work together and trust one another,” said Leonie.

“I’ve been exposed to many different challenges in the form of talents. Arebone is in the business of improving their employees,” she concluded.

Berenice Storm started working for Arebone on 17 SEP 2020 in the Midrand Area.

Belinda has yet to reach the peak of her skillset, as she still needs to hone two important tasksmastering how to construct scaffolding and laying down carpets. Once these challenges are conquered, there will be no limit to where she can go in pursuit of excellence.

“I felt welcome on my 1st day. I learnt a lot and am still learning. How to do work thoroughly and how to be proud of what I do. We must work together with all people. It’s important to learn different ways of people and the cultures and respect each. I definitely want to learn how to assemble the scaffolding and how to install carpets.” said Berenice.

What is your career background and how did you get into the business?

Istudied what my scholarship required blindly until I started doing vacation work and a whole new world opened up to me. The context is important because the new world showed me what was missing in the world I knew.

As I worked, I realised that access to finance and markets hindered the growth of SMEs, especially black-owned ones.

In 2018, I decided to invest in myself when faced with the decision to invest in an existing partnership or pursue an uncanny idea of a supply chain financing platform aimed at assisting SMEs with early invoice payments.