Empowering the Karoo: 27 Local Residents Certified in High-Demand Skills Through SARAO and Hyman Master Fence Partnership

CARNARVON, NORTHERN CAPE – The future of the Northern Cape’s workforce is looking brighter than ever. On 24 March 2026, the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), in a strategic partnership with Hyman Master Fence, celebrated a major milestone in community development: the successful certification of 27 dedicated learners from  Carnarvon, Williston and Van Wyksvlei . The majority of the learners formed part of the team of local labour working hand in hand with the appointed contractor, Hayman Master Fencing in building the boundary fence for the Meerkat National Park, a key milestone achieved by SARAO, meeting the requirements of the Management Agreement between SARAO and SANParks.

The certification ceremony, held at the Bidvest offices in Carnarvon, marked the culmination of an intensive 8-day training program designed to bridge the gap between local talent and the technical demands of the modern workplace.

A Multidisciplinary Toolkit for Success

The training, facilitated by the Konsult Group under the expert guidance of Johan Joseph and Riaan Keyser, wasn’t just about classroom theory. It was a rigorous, hands-on journey. The 27 graduates emerged with a comprehensive suite of certifications, making them some of the most versatile job-seekers in the province.

The learners are now certified in:

• First Aid & Fire Fighting: Essential life-saving and emergency response skills.
• SHE Representative: Occupational Health and Safety expertise.
• Tools Safety: Technical proficiency in handling industrial equipment.
• Budgeting: Financial literacy for personal and professional growth.
• Food Safety: Maintaining high standards in hospitality and catering environments.

“These certifications will definitely give these young men and women an added advantage,” said Alice Pienaar-Marais, SARAO’s Manager of Land and Institutional Governance. “We encourage them to view this as a stepping stone. Continuous training is the key to remaining ready for the evolving demands of the workplace.”

Building Local Economies, One Town at a Time

This initiative is a core pillar of SARAO’s commitment to Local Economic Development (LED). By targeting youth in Carnarvon, Williston and Van Wyksvlei, the program ensures that the benefits of South Africa’s world-class astronomy projects ripple directly into the surrounding households.

Ringeta Mashimbye, SARAO’s Local Economic Development Coordinator, shared the excitement for the program’s expansion. “We aren’t stopping here. This is a rolling wave of empowerment,” Mashimbye noted.

The Path Forward

For the 27 graduates, the certificates represent more than just paper; they represent a “ready-to-work” status that is highly valued by contractors and local industries. Pieter Steinmann, Director of Konsult Group, emphasised that the discipline shown by the learners over the 8-day period bodes well for their future careers.

Media Enquiries & Information:

• SARAO Local Economic Development Office

            Ringeta Mashimbye: rmashimbye@sarao.ac.za

• Facilitator Contact (Konsult Group): Pieter Steinmann

          Email: Pieter@konsultgroup.co.za | Phone: 082 612 3730