Skills Development Course delivers Massive Operational Savings for Global Business

Emerging Leadership graduate saves company R250K annually through simple Waste Reduction initiative

As a result of the KZN Clothing and Textiles Cluster’s Emerging Leadership Development Programme, one of the Cluster’s member companies successfully introduced improved processes that will result in a massive saving for the business of more than R250 000 per annum.

The cost saving project is the brainchild of Chris Ngcobo and the initiative was the subject of his final assignment for the KZNCTC Emerging Leadership Development Programme, a course that is run annually for cluster members.

Chris’ employer extrudes and weaves world-class polypropylene fabric which it uses to manufacture bulk bags for the international mining, chemical and food sectors. His division uses a full barrel of oil each week to keep their machines lubricated and operational but from the start of the programme, Chris says he was convinced the oil could be used more efficiently.

“I knew we could do something about this problem and the skills I learned enabled me to go about this the correct way. The end result is that we have reduced not only the amount of oil needed but wastage too,” says Chris.

According to Paige Sherriff, who heads up the KZNCTC’s Emerging Leadership Development Programme, the exercise taught Chris valuable project and people management skills.

“Chris’ project entailed four deliberate steps: Preparation, Stakeholder Engagement, Problem-solving and Implementation and finally, Closure and Reflection. Empowered with his new knowledge, Chris was able to follow this detailed path, to develop a solution that has delivered handsomely in tangible cost savings for his employer,” Paige explains.

The company is very excited about the far-reaching implications of such a simple intervention says Mavela Luthuli, Chris’ Production Manager.

“Besides the monetary savings, Chris has also supervised the recalibration of essential equipment, facilitated operator training, improved communication through team engagement, improved safety on the floor and reduced our carbon footprint,” says Mavela. “With his new leadership skills, Chris has empowered his whole team and they are now a much tighter, more enthusiastic and better-equipped division. I look forward to their next project.”

This feedback regarding the Emerging Leadership Development Programme was welcomed by both the KZNCTC and the eThekwini Economic Development and Investment Promotion Unit, the primary funder of the Cluster. Takalani Rathiyaya, Deputy Head of the Economic Development Programmes Department at the eThekwini Municipality says the result is proof that the KZNCTC’s Skills Development Programmes are successfully developing leaders for future growth.

“The primary aim of our Sector Programmes is to grow and accelerate economic growth and job creation in the city,” says Takalani. “Chris’ success is testimony to the fact that our Emerging Leadership Development Programme is helping to develop and deliver well-rounded and innovative leaders who can effect positive organisational change.”

While this is high praise indeed, the final word goes to the Emerging Leadership graduate: “Everyone in my team is excited about effecting change and delivering real results for the company’s bottom line. These skills have empowered both my team and me and we are grateful for the investment and look forward to the next level of training.”

For more information of the KZNCTC Skills Development Programme and courses such as the Emerging Leadership Development Programme, please contact the KZNCTC at kznctc@bmanalysts.com

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