(Virtual Showroom): In an industry where technical expertise and operational excellence are paramount, leading drilling and exploration specialist Rosond recognises that the long-term sustainability of the sector depends not only on innovation, but on people. For Rosond, skills development is not a compliance exercise it is a strategic imperative that drives both business resilience and meaningful social impact.

Across South Africa, youth unemployment remains one of the country’s most pressing challenges. At the same time, industries such as mining and drilling continue to face a shortage of specialised skills. Bridging this gap requires deliberate investment, long-term thinking, and a commitment to unlocking potential where it matters most within local communities.

Rosond has taken a proactive approach to this challenge through a structured skills development strategy that includes bursaries for learners from host communities, as well as learnership programmes designed to provide practical, career-building opportunities for young people.

The bursary programme with 67 active students supports a wide range of fields relevant to the industry, including Finance, Human Resources, Supply Chain, Safety Management, Quantity Surveying, Business Management, Engineering disciplines, Information Technology, and Environmental Studies. Meanwhile, learnership programmes focus on areas such as Business Administration, giving young people hands-on experience to transition successfully into the workforce.

“Skills development is central to how we build a sustainable business,” says Glen McGavigan, CEO of Rosond. “We operate in communities that are rich in potential, and it is our responsibility to invest in that potential. When we support education and create pathways into the workplace, we are not only strengthening our talent pipeline we are contributing to broader economic growth and social stability.”

Through its bursary programme, Rosond enables students from its host communities such as Kathu and Midrand to access higher education opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach. These bursaries are aligned with industry-relevant qualifications, ensuring that graduates are equipped with skills that are both practical and in demand.

Complementing this, the company’s learnership initiatives provide hands-on experience, allowing young people to transition more effectively from education into the workplace. This dual approach combining academic support with experiential learning is key to addressing the mismatch between qualifications and employability.

Importantly, Rosond’s commitment to development extends beyond new entrants into the workforce. The company also invests in the growth of its own employees, creating opportunities for further education and career advancement.

This year, Rosond celebrates the achievements of three employees who have successfully completed their studies with the support of the company:

• Carmen Sasha-Lee Fortuin, from Kathu, Northern Cape, who obtained an Advanced Diploma in Safety Management from UNISA.
• Akani Tshuxeko Mboweni, from Midrand, Gauteng, who completed a BSc Honours in Quantity Surveying at the University of Johannesburg.
• Murendeni Maphangwa, from Midrand, Gauteng, who earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management through MANCOSA.

Their achievements are a testament not only to personal dedication, but also to the impact of a supportive organisational culture that prioritises continuous learning.

“Completing my Advanced Diploma in Safety Management is a significant achievement for me. Balancing full-time work on site with my studies required commitment, discipline, and perseverance. This qualification has strengthened my understanding of health and safety practices and reinforced the critical role safety plays in our daily operations,” says Carmen.

“Rosond’s bursary programme gave me the opportunity to complete my Honours in Quantity Surveying while growing in my role. It sharpened my thinking around cost, risk, and value, and has already improved how I approach projects,” says Akani.

“I would like to sincerely express my gratitude to Rosond for funding my Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management. This opportunity has not only strengthened my professional skills but also deepened my understanding of strategic, financial, and operational aspects of the business,” says Murendeni.

“In my role within Accounts Payable, the knowledge gained enables me to contribute more effectively to financial decision-making, improve process efficiency, and support organisational goals with a broader business perspective. I truly appreciate this investment in my growth, as it empowers me to add greater value to the company,” he concludes.

These individual stories reflect a broader philosophy at Rosond, one that recognises that people are the foundation of progress. By investing in education, creating opportunities, and celebrating achievement, the company is building a workforce that is not only skilled, but empowered.

As South Africa continues to navigate economic and social challenges, initiatives like these highlight the critical role that the private sector can play in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future.  “Ultimately, our success as a business is closely linked to the success of the people and communities we serve. When they grow, we grow,” concludes Glen.