South Africa has a big skills shortage in the field of science and engineering that might take decades to be addressed, if one is to believe pundits’ views. And it is not just the government’s responsibility, civil society and the private sectors have to be involved where possible as well.
And, as for its part, Cummins Southern Africa, the local subsidiary of the American Fortune 500 Corporation, Cummins Inc., manufacturer and distributor of engines, filtration and power generation products, decided to be involved through its Cummins Dream Machine Initiative. The programme is derived from viewing engines and its parts through a creative leans that serves as catalyst for innovation that can make dreams a reality.
Cummins Dream Machine Initiative focuses on three areas for the Corporate Responsibility activities: Education, Environment and Social Justice.
Currently, under the Cummins Dream Machine initiative, a team of dedicated employees based at Kevin, Longmeadow and the Master Rebuild Center are busy developing formal protocols to identity, collect and clean specific engine parts that previously would have been recycled or scrapped. Through a carefully coordinated process, these engine parts will be up-cycled as art and functional items with a strong industrial aesthetic.
Cummins envisions this initiative making a positive difference in the environment and in the communities where people live and work, while giving artists and crafters from less privileged communities the opportunity to increase their income-earning capacity and market reach.
Special emphasis will be placed on empowering women and sharing knowledge regarding sustainable practices for emerging businesses. Cummins will also utilise this initiative at secondary schools to educate and increase environmental awareness among students.
We are likely to see candleholders, gasket wind chimes, gear bookends, soft furnishings decorated with unique designs made from nuts, bolts and washers, O-ring mobiles, jewelry and much.
Yesterday, 29th of September 2015, Cummins hosted the Dream Machine Initiative Awards Ceremony at its Kelvin head office at 13 Eastern Service Road, Kelvin View. Transform SA Online was represented at the event.
