Intsika is the Zulu name for a support beam found in the beehive-shaped huts of old.  This beam bore the entire weight of the huts; gave the little houses structure and made them homes where families and communities learnt, loved and prospered.  Today the Intsika Skills Beneficiation Project is an initiative led by Stanley Mkhize, a self-confessed entrepreneur, who started the programme after seeing the resultant effects of unemployment, drug-abuse and crime on the young people of the East Rand.  Stanley created Intsika so that it could be the support, source of strength and way out for those who are caught in the fruitless cycle of dependency.

Established in 2004, Intsika identifies young, previously disadvantaged people and teaches them the art of gold and silver smithing. Armed with the knowledge he gained from his years employed by the Chamber of Mines, Stanley and his colleagues put the structure in place needed to get Intsika off the ground.  Out of the 300 young people interviewed from the East Rand area, 15 suitable candidates were selected. Of those 15, thirteen eventually graduated from the project some 18 months later and some of them have found employment with reputable jewellery manufacturers, such as Jack Friedman jewellers.

The project operates in two phases.  The first phase involves training the candidates.  Training is provided by newly graduated jewellers from the University of Johannesburg and Tshwane University of Technology. Training modules and a curriculum have been created with the assistance of the Technikon of the Witwatersrand.  Candidates are exposed to modern methods and techniques of beneficiation and manufacturing and are also taught how to work with platinum, diamonds and semi-precious stones.

The second phase of the project focuses on production.  After skills have been attained, the students produce fine, quality pieces for the local and international markets. Intsika also intends to assist young people who want to start their own business hubs by providing free access to the project’s fully equipped workshop to allow them to manufacture their own pieces.  

Intsika has recently received its Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) certification. With official recognition as a technology training provider, Intsika is eligible to receive funding from the MQA. Learners now receive an allowance, which eases transport and other cost burdens for the students. The certification will also make it easier for graduates of Intsika to find employment and contribute in real terms to their families and communities. The MQA also supplies guide-lines for efficient skills empowerment. This progress has put Intsika well on its way to becoming a sustainable and completely independent entity. The project is also increasing its student intake from 20 to 40.

Intsika is currently working on a strategy to expand this initiative to the rest of the provinces in South Africa.  Many of the youngsters who participate are the sole breadwinners in their families and Intsika provides them with the support and skills that they need to either find or create employment.

Expansion will therefore mean the betterment of many more lives.

If you would like to learn more about Intsika please contact:

Intsika Skills Beneficiation Project
Tel: +27 11 873 2261
Cell: +27 83 563 1666
Fax: +27 11 873 2261
Email: intsika@telkomsa.net

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