ArcelorMittal South Africa remains committed to its skills development and training programmes. These programmes are strictly aligned with our transformational goals with a specific emphasis on making significant progress with respect to gender diversity, a particular challenge for companies in the manufacturing and heavy industrial sectors.

The company is recognised by the Manufacturing, Engineering, Related Industries Sector Education and Training Authority (Merseta) as a platinum-ranked skills development company - the top ranking in the industry. It is also member of the Accelerated Artisan Training Programme, a group of six leading South African companies which have committed to the South African government to training more skills than is needed for their own requirements.

We have traditionally created considerable social value by developing, particularly technical and artisanal skills, over and above our own requirements. In 2023, this impact was boosted when we agreed with the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Seta (Merseta) on a programme to train, at our premises, 200 apprentices and 300 production learners. The 30-month programme, which is fully aligned with the skills development elements of the Steel Master Plan, will be funded, at a cost of some R62 million, by Merseta.

The company is committed to harnessing the full spectrum of skills within the South African population by providing equal employment opportunities. Employment equity and a commitment to cultural diversity are cornerstones of its employment policy. This is particular evident in its skills development programme, focused on ensuring a training pipeline with priority towards Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (HDSA), especially females, for skilled and professional roles.