Date: 2025-11-11 06:12:45

Gas Training Creates Pathways To Jobs And Business Growth

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GAS TRAINING CREATES PATHWAYS TO JOBS AND BUSINESS GROWTH

Fourteen emerging gas installers are now proud certified professionals, ready to take on South Africa’s growing domestic gas installation market. 

Many are already securing and commissioning work, thanks to the skills gained through the Basic Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Installer Training. 

This is a partnership between eThekwini Municipality and Sasol which offered 30 small business owners from across the City training to become qualified gas installers. 

The intensive two-week course combined both theoretical and practical components to ensure trainees are industry ready. 

The theory phase was conducted earlier this year 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. 

This saw participants assessed based on their installation performance and adherence to safety standards. 

For Zamokuhle Mbatha, founder of Zami Gas, the training has been a turning point in his entrepreneurship journey. 

“We were taught practical skills, from installation and compliance to safety precautions and leak testing. 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. This license allows me to work on domestic installations, but my long-term goal is to advance to commercial and industrial certifications within two years,” he said.  

Another graduate, Mbongeni Nduli, co-founder of Nkanyiso Gas Solutions in Lamontville, shared similar sentiments. 

“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.” 

Ntokozo Chiliza, KwaZulu-Natal Stakeholder Relations Manager at Sasol, applauded the collaboration’s impact. 

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

The Municipality’s SMME Development Deputy Director Nonku Mthembu said: “Our goal is to see these entrepreneurs trained and thriving. We are facilitating the procurement of essential gas installation starter toolkits to ensure the newly certified installers have the resources needed for their operations. By equipping them with both skills and tools, we are creating a conducive business environment to make a lasting impact.”

ENDS

Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.