eThekwini has produced 14 certified gas installers through the Basic Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Installer Training programme sponsored by the municipality and Sasol.

On Tuesday, the municipality said the initiative aimed to equip small business owners with the skills needed to tap into South Africa’s growing domestic gas installation market.

The programme, which combined theoretical and practical components, was offered to 30 small business owners from across the city.

The theory phase was conducted at the City’s Umkhumbane Entrepreneurial Support Centre, while the practical training took place in August at Liquefied Petroleum Gas South Africa’s facilities in Johannesburg.

Graduates are already seeing benefits, according to the municipality.

Zamokuhle Mbatha, founder of Zami Gas, and one of the graduates said: “We were taught practical skills, from installation and compliance to safety precautions and leak testing.” He added: “After receiving my operating certificate, I have already completed five installations. My work speaks for itself as we were trained by one of the best companies in the oil and gas industry value chain.”

Another graduate, Mbongeni Nduli, the co-founder of Nkanyiso Gas Solutions, said: “Before this training, we only sold and refilled gas. Now we can install gas safely and legally. We are already planning to build a gas storage facility to supply crèches and schools within the community. This opportunity has truly expanded our vision.”

The Municipality’s SMME Development Deputy Director, Nonku Mthembu, said: “Our goal is to see these entrepreneurs trained and thriving.”

KwaZulu-Natal Sasol stakeholder relations manager, Ntokozo Chiliza, praised the collaboration’s impact, saying it had a positive effect in the community.

“Sasol remains committed to empowering small businesses and building technical capacity within communities. This programme helps create employment and promotes sustainable enterprise growth.”

“We are facilitating the procurement of essential gas installation starter toolkits to ensure the newly certified installers have the resources needed for their operations,” Mthembu added.

INSIDE METROS

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