The Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister, Gwede Mantashe, helped launch the MDA Digital Hub in Welkom on Friday, an initiative designed to provide new economic opportunities for youth and former mineworkers. The hub, supported by the Matjhabeng Local Municipality and partners including Sibanye-Stillwater and Rand Mutual Assurance, will offer free training in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and artisanal trades.
Executive Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha welcomed the project as a strategic investment in the region's future. Minister Mantashe emphasized that mining companies have a responsibility to invest in the communities from which they draw labor, stating that Social and Labour Plans should be voluntary commitments to development rather than mere compliance.
The facility includes both digital and business incubation programs. According to MDA CEO Tshimane Montoedi, the hub aims to transform mining towns into innovation communities. The launch also celebrated the first cohort of sixty graduates who completed their courses.
Executive Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha welcomed the project as a strategic investment in the region's future. Minister Mantashe emphasized that mining companies have a responsibility to invest in the communities from which they draw labor, stating that Social and Labour Plans should be voluntary commitments to development rather than mere compliance.
The facility includes both digital and business incubation programs. According to MDA CEO Tshimane Montoedi, the hub aims to transform mining towns into innovation communities. The launch also celebrated the first cohort of sixty graduates who completed their courses.
