Solidarity announces a network of work worth billions
6 June 2019
Solidarity today announced a network of work with a budget of R4,5 billion. The Solidarity NetWork will include a comprehensive alternative school system, an occupational training college, a university, financial aid for education, a youth movement, a network of occupational guilds, mentorships, job placement, protection in the workplace, and continued education. According to Dr Dirk Hermann, Chief Operations Officer of Solidarity, the NetWork will accompany its members throughout their whole career path.
“The Solidarity NetWork is a major leap into the future. Although emigration has become a focal point of discussion again, most of the people remain here. It does not help to become despondent. We have one alternative and that it is to use what we have and build with it. We must take the bull by the horns and create the conditions to stay here freely, safely and prosperously. The very reason why we will be successful is because there is no other alternative,” Hermann says.
The Solidarity NetWork depends strongly on education and training. The largest projects we will launch is the development of Akademia to a fully-fledged university with a campus, sports facilities, residences, and an active student life. Solidarity’s occupational training college, Sol-Tech, will also receive a new modern campus with residences and sports facilities. Another new initiative of the Solidarity NetWork is the development of a comprehensive alternative Afrikaans school system by the Centre for School Support which will not only support public schools but will also establish a new school network. A comprehensive Afrikaans world-class private educational pipeline will be offered.
“The fact that the Solidarity NetWork is investing so much in education and training is a strong political point of view with the message that we shall stay here and plan for the next generation. The Solidarity Research Institute recently published a report which states that the birth rate of especially Afrikaner families have risen again. Therefore, we must plan and build for the following generation who is now building sand castles at preschool institutions,” according to Hermann.
The Solidarity NetWork will still focus strongly on protection in the workplace.