Making SA successful by increasing human capital
Devan Moonsamy is the owner and CEO of the I Can Help Africa Foundation Training Institute
What does the institute do?
It is a Seta-accredited corporate training provider. We offer learnerships, diversity training, Microsoft and computer training, conflict management training, call centre training and many more. We believe that education and skills development initiatives are the cornerstone of a successful family, business, organisation and institution.
How can training help to put South Africa on the road to success?
Poor performance is a chronic problem. Consistent performance is the bread and butter of all businesses and it can’t be achieved without training. South Africa is performing satisfactorily compared with similar countries, but evidence shows we fall seriously short in education and training. This affects our competitiveness.
Training has numerous advantages that aren’t measured in broad-based BEE points. Many companies conduct training merely to meet BBBEE requirements. This is wasteful spending and is a disturbing trend. It is also concerning that training often doesn’t receive much attention in budgeting. Almost all problems in the workplace come down to a lack of training and knowledge.
You founded the foundation in 2002. What led to you deciding to set it up?
As a student in my early 20s I started offering confidence, communication and life skills programmes to children and young adults. I registered my first company — the training company that has evolved into the ICHAF Training Institute. I had a skill for speaking and facilitation, which progressed into motivational speaking and leadership seminars (which stems from a deep love for people and a passion for human growth and development).
What did you want to be when you were a child?
I grew up on a farm. As a child I really wanted to be a farmer, but then we moved from the farm to the city and my interests started changing. As a teenager I was fascinated by the work that journalists and people in the media did, especially those travelling to remote parts of the world. I particularly enjoyed watching documentaries. Other people’s experiences and stories also interested me. History was my favourite subject at school. I knew I was going to work with people. I knew that I had a talent for observation, listening and communicating my viewpoint.
What do you find most meaningful in the work you do?
The fact that I have a hand in the personal growth and development journeys of our learners.
There is nothing more rewarding than attending a graduation ceremony and experiencing the joy felt by our students and rejoicing with them. I love that we are bridging skills development divides in the country and making people more marketable.
What work would you do if you couldn’t do what you do now?
I like theatre and the arts. I am also intrigued by short films and documentaries, so perhaps working on productions.
What would people be surprised to hear about the work you do?
That the work I do doesn’t actually feel like work. It is something I really enjoy doing and I just happen to get paid to do it.