Thomas McLachlan

Thomas McLachlan

Petroleum giant BP has joined forces with the minerals and energy department to launch a programme to train entrepreneurs while eradicating the use of paraffin stoves and other hazardous energy sources in township communities.

Entrepreneurs in Soweto, Ennerdale, Orange Farm and Eldorado Park would be trained to run their own business which would allow customers to order petroleum gas refills over the phone and have them delivered free.

"In addition to increasing our business footprint in Gauteng and other provinces, we are also looking to empower local entrepreneurs as they are the closest to communities we serve," said BP router programme project manager, Kutlwano Motlogeloa.

The initiative runs parallel with BP's safety campaign, dubbed "Hlal' u phepile", a business initiative centered on providing safe and affordable alternative energy sources to lower-income consumers.

Entrepreneurs will have the task of receiving customers' orders, communicating with BP management, collecting necessary stock, and delivering cylinders to customers within 24 hours.

BP will help the successful candidates by providing them with delivery vans and health, safety, security and environmental training.

Submit CVs to Mthunzi Nonjola on 011-482-7400 or e-mail mthunzi@ obrian.co.za. The deadline for submissions is December 14.