Achieve skills: building futures in the Northern Cape

When Karen Van Staden looked around her hometown of Kathu in the Northern Cape, she saw more than mines and mineral wealth.

She saw untapped human potential, thousands of young people whose futures were being stifled by lack of opportunity. That vision gave birth to Achieve Skills, a 100% black woman-owned, Level 1 BBBEE training and development company, with a mission that goes far beyond compliance.

“Kathu is home not just to me, but to thousands of young people with potential that’s often overlooked,” Van Staden recalled.

“What inspired Achieve Skills was the growing frustration I felt seeing that potential go to waste. I wanted to close that gap to create something that doesn’t just offer training, but changes lives.”

For Van Staden, the drive for skills development wasn’t just professional, it was deeply personal. Growing up, she witnessed the devastating effects of unemployment on young people.

“I saw how unemployment can rob a young person of their confidence. But I also saw how a single opportunity, a course, a mentor, a job, could turn someone's entire life around. That lit a fire in me.”

Building achieve skills

Launching the business was not without obstacles. From funding to accreditation, the early days required resilience and determination.

“We didn’t have a big name or flashy premises. What we had was a clear purpose and a community that needed us. We overcame those challenges by staying consistent, delivering quality, and building strong relationships,” she told Business Report. 

Her leadership, in what is still a male-dominated industry, has not only reshaped expectations but also inspired a generation of young women.

“It means everything to show young women that they can lead, innovate, and make a real difference. I want our story to be a mirror for others, proof that you don’t need to come from privilege to create something powerful and impactful,” Van Staden added.

The company’s training programmes, from New Venture Creation to Early Childhood Development, were designed with the community in mind.

“We listened. We looked at the economic gaps in the region and asked: what do our people need to survive and thrive? Every course we offer is designed to be practical, accessible, and transformative,” she said. 

Changing lives, one learner at a time

The ripple effects of Achieve Skills are tangible.

One of the stories Van Staden treasures most is of a once-unemployed mother of two who joined their Early Childhood Development programme.

“She came in with little confidence. Today, she runs her own crèche, employing others and changing the lives of children in her area. That’s the kind of transformation that reminds us why we do this work.”

Achieve Skills also helps local organisations with accreditation, grant submissions, and workplace approvals.

“Skills development doesn’t stop in the classroom,” Van Staden said.

“If we want sustainable change, we must strengthen communities and institutions too.”

Power of partnerships

The journey of Achieve Skills has been strengthened by enterprise development support from Anglo American Zimele.

“Zimele came at a crucial time, not just with funding, but with mentorship, business development, and exposure. They helped us professionalise our systems and scale responsibly. That support allowed us to dream bigger and serve more people.”

For Van Staden, partnerships are essential to achieving her mission. “We don’t believe in working in silos. By collaborating with government, corporates, and communities, we expand our reach and deepen our impact. The more partners we have, the more pathways we can open.”

Looking Ahead

While Achieve Skills has already touched countless lives in the Northern Cape, Van Staden’s vision stretches far into the future.

“We want to be a recognised centre of excellence across the Northern Cape and beyond,  a place where young people know they can build a future with dignity. We plan to expand into more towns, launch more entrepreneurial support programmes, and become a leading voice in shaping inclusive skills policy in South Africa.”

BUSINESS REPORT