Unfortunately there are no historically disadvantaged individuals (HDI’s) registered as landscape architects in South Africa and only nine HDIs are currently studying landscape architecture at the two South African programmes. However, NLA has illustrated a commitment to employment equity and social responsibility. NLA’s aim is to train HDI’s through ‘apprenticeship’, in the fields of landscape architecture and environmental planning, and to eventually employ them in a full time capacity.
NLA is committed to black economic empowerment and has pro-actively addressed this goal.  Back in 1995 with only two staff members we were approached by the Alexandra Jukskei River Forum to assist them with the development of the park on the banks of the Jukskei river. Following a year of discussions and workshops with the community, NLA funded and facilitated an establishment of a Community Trust to train people for the project. Graham had at that stage met Lucky Ngale who was serving on the Apies River Forum. With no formal training in the landscape profession, we trained him in Project Management of landscape projects. He then joined the firm as the project site agent and he assisted us with Community liaison and site work for the duration of 1996 -7.  Following the completion of this project he also assisted us with the development of a cemetery in Heidelberg. Following his two and a half year employment with us, he was then able to develop his other interests. He is currently working at an Engineering firm, where he is involved in community liaison part of developments. NLA has involved with his firm for the development of the master plan and now also the first phase of the development of a sub-regional cemetery in Lethlabile for the Madibeng Local Council.
Ben was introduced to us by Lucky Ngale. Ben grew up in Lethlabile squatter camp, north of Brits and had no financial means at his disposal to study landscape architecture. NLA intervened and due to his relatively low admission score an agreement was reached with the head of department that Ben would work at NLA for one year prior to commencing with his studies at the University of Pretoria. He completed the year successfully as well as increased the work capacity of NLA during that period, whilst also gaining insight into the profession, which assisted him with his studies. He was also able to apply for a bursary through the Construction Training Authority as NLA had registered with the authority in terms of the Skills Development Programme. Ben is expecting to complete his three year degree (Landscape Technician) at the end of 2007.
As part of NLA’s tender for the Freedom Park Project we undertook to find and assist a black student through the Landscape Architectural Programme at the University of Pretoria:
Able comes from a poor background and his home was Zevefontein Squatter Camp, which had no running water or electricity. He is one of three brothers and his father does not have work. He showed interest in Architecture and ability for Art in Grade 7 at Riversands School, a charitable project NLA is closely involved with. Due to this he was sponsored to attend a school for the arts through ‘Hands of Joy’. For Grades 10, 11, and 12 he was sponsored by Hands of Joy to attend Radley College because of his ability and diligence. He quickly established himself there by obtaining distinctions and becoming a Prefect. Able passed Matric, meeting the requirements of the Freedom Park full scholarship to study Landscape Architecture at the University of Pretoria. He is on a full scholarship that covers all his costs and expenses. He has just completed his first year, and has done well in his classes. He is currently working on the Freedom Park site. We will continue to sponsor Able over the next two years when he will graduate with a BSc in Landscape Architecture. He will then work for NLA Bagale.
In 2000, Takalani Muavha joined NLA as a Junior Environmentalist, with no practical experience in environmental assessment and implementing the environmental process. NLA assisted Takalani with not only practical experience, but also funded the completion of her BA Environmental Management, Rand Afrikaans University (RAU). Following her degree, NLA gave her a bursary for her Masters Degree in Environmental Management, also at RAU. Takalani left our employ in July 2004 to gain experience in Geographic Information Systems (NLA do not have access to GIS), and she is currently working for a company that specializes in this field.
Adolf Tshikhudo, who replaced Takalani, was mainly involved with environmental auditing and small environmental applications. Yonanda Martin replaced Adolf and is responsible for the environmental work, which includes Exemption Applications and Environmental Scoping Assessments as well as Visual Impact Assessments. NLA’s commitment to development of staff has continued with the funding of a GIS course for Yonanda, as well as the purchasing of a GIS system for her to utilise. Â
2002 intensified our programme of development through ‘apprenticeship’ of staff.ÂNolwandle Sibeko was appointed as assistant bookkeeper and was being trained under our accounting officer. NLA financed Nolwandle’s Pastel computer training course, as well as 50% of her college fees for her Diploma in financial administration. She was responsible for managing the financial affairs of NLA’s joint venture, namely NLA Bagale. Nolwandle left the employ of NLA in May 2005, in order to pursue an alternate career.
In June 2005 Sophie Seathlolo replaced Nolwandle as bookkeeper, working under NLA’s accounting officer. With the assistance of NLA, Sophie began her B Comm in Financial Management in January 2006. Sophie left NLA in July 2007 in order to pursue her studies.
Anny Gaeadingwe was appointed as Sophie’s replacement and is currently responsible for managing the financial affairs of NLA as well as two of NLA’s joint ventures. In addition to this, NLA is assisting Anny with furthering her studies in the financial arena.
Melikaya Memeza was recently appointed to the position of landscape technician, and will contribute to design projects in this capacity.
NLA also appointed a receptionist from a previously disadvantaged background, Monky Tobane, who had to resign in 2003 due to the illness of her child. Monky was replaced by Shenaaz Abrahams who completed her telephone operator training which was funded by NLA. Shenaaz left the employ of NLA in August 2005 and was replaced by Kate Skosana, also from a previously disadvantaged background. Plans are in place for Kate to be assisted with switchboard training, as well as relevant computer courses.
Each year, all staff are sent on relevant training courses as well as encouraged to participate in additional development opportunities.