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Jobs at De Poort - now and in the future

De Poort is creating new jobs and will continue to do so. Already we employ a Project Administrator and hope to appoint a Project Manager before we open for visitors in 2008.

Construction of Phase 1 has created another 9 jobs. Phases 2 through 5 will help sustain these into the future. Tenders for construction and fitting of De Poort Village will be advertised locally and on this website.

We are committed to become an economic multiplier for the valley. To do this we must make sure that most of the work opportunities we create directly benefit local people, particularly PDI (Previously Disadvantaged Individuals) and historically disadvantaged. Many of our people can only get seasonal work while young people desperately need skills training and real work experience. Others live on farms and are parents and grandparents who have a skill or craft that could earn them extra money.

De Poort is about making things and doing things that will attract visitors throughout the year. This makes sense because nowdays the Western Cape is a year-round tourist venue and a heritage village will be a unique draw card for them. This will help to sustain jobs and grow incomes associated with De Poort.

With this in mind we want to foster real opportunities for full-time and part-time workers. Home-workers and people with disabilities will also be able to earn money from selling goods and services at De Poort village.

Artisan crafters will be able to use the workshops in Phase 1 and 2 to produce and demonstrate their handiwork. Training courses for crafters will be starting soon and will really take off once we open our doors in 2008.

Cart rides will be a feature from day one, providing work for local drivers, grooms, farriers and blacksmiths.

As the village grows in size it will be able to offer more! A schoolroom from the 19th century, a theatre, period shops, outdoor games areas, restaurants, bed and breakfast accommodation. These facilities will bring income from arts and education activity to complement the tourism offering. We hope for a knock-on effect - encouraging investors to regenerate the historic Paarl station precinct, creating additional opportunities and livelihoods for local people and the heritage industry.

None of this will be possible without the on-going support we get from the municipalities, local businesses and volunteers.

Initially we will rely heavily on our volunteers - we call them Friends of De Poort. They will welcome visitors, demonstrate heritage skills and crafts, take cart rides, make and bake traditional foods, raise funds and promote De Poort, collect and restore heritage artefacts, train crafters and volunteers.

If you are interested in working with De Poort Village please register your interest.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard!