3RD EDITION 2023/2024
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
THE CEO STRENGTHENS EXISTING RELATIONSHIPS WITH HIGHER INSTITUTIONS VICE CHANCELLORS
THE MQA CEO ENCOURAGES DEDICATION TO LEARNING TO THE TSHWANE NORTH TVET COLLEGE LEARNERS
THE MQA HOSTS A SUCCESSFUL INAUGURAL MINING SKILLS LEKGOTLA
SHARING A PROUD MOMENT AT THE CENTRES OF SPECIALISATION ARTISANS’ TOOLBOXES HANDOVER CEREMONY
THE MQA BENEFICIARY PROFILE
THE MQA FRAUD HOTLINE
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PUBLISHERS: Mining Qualifications Authority LAYOUT AND DESIGN: Litha Communications (Pty) Ltd
EDITOR: Amanda Masilo
EDITORIAL TEAM: Baitse Mokiti Vinolia Malatjie
Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA)
Physical Address: 7 Anerley Road, Parktown
Tel: 011 547 2600
Email: info@mqa.org.za Website: www.mqa.org.za
Time really moves fast; it is so intriguing that we are just three months away from wrapping up the 2023-2024 financial year at the MQA. A lot has happened during quarter three of this financial year. The MQA is excited to share that it successfully executed some prominent events (three in one), such as the 2023 Inaugural Hybrid Mining Skills Lekgotla, Annual Consultative Conference (AGM) and the Good Practice and Recognition Awards, for the mining sector hosted from 23 to 24 November 2024 at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg, Gauteng Province.
One of the key activities which without no doubt has been recorded in the history books of the MQA, was the recognition of Mr Lebogang Rampyapedi, an MQA learning programme beneficiary, living with a disability, who scooped the Quality Assurance Special Award, at the Mining and Minerals Sector Recognition Awards ceremony. Please read about this fascinating story on pages 5 to 7.
As a strategy to foster and drive the stakeholder engagement advocacy campaign, the MQA CEO, Dr Thabo Mashongoane rolled out planned engagement sessions with various University Vice Chancellors across the country. This drive served as part of the MQA CEO’s efforts to strengthen existing relationships with various institutions of higher learning across South Africa, which participate in the MQA’s Bursary Scheme, other learning programmes and initiatives. Read more about this on an article on pages 2 to 3.
From time to time the MQA CEO gets invited as a guest speaker at events hosted by higher learning institutions to address the delegates. On 27 October 2023, Dr Thabo Mashongoane honoured and invitation by the Tshwane North TVET College, Shoshanguve Campus to address the final-year students (NATED and NCV L4 and L3), read more on this story on page 4.
The MQA always strives to fulfil the promises made to its stakeholders. We are proud to share that following the launch of the Centres of Specialisation (CoS) project for the mining and minerals sector, held on 14 June 2023, at the Tshwane South TVET College, the MQA has finally handed over toolboxes to the deserving COS project qualified artisans. This event was held on 04 December 2023 at the MQA Head Office, read more on the detailed story on page 8.
As previously alluded, our newsletter editions consistently undertake to showcase the impact of the MQA learning programmes in the space of our county. It is interesting that more and more females are getting qualified as artisans. In this issue were profile one of our successful beneficiaries, Ms Aseza Hlomendlini, an Artisan Assistant at Anglo American Platinum. She completed her Learnership trade in Rigging. Read more on this interesting profile on page 9.
The upkeep of good corporate governance by the MQA is key and it is for that reason that stakeholders are encouraged to report any fraudulent activity to the Fraud Hotline, see all the contact details at the back page of this issues.
Enjoy reading the MQA news.
Amanda Masilo Editor
Subsequently, on 18 October 2023, the CEO headed to the coastal city of East London to conduct another engagement session with Professor Rushiella Songca, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Walter Sisulu University and her colleagues in leadership at the institution. The CEO was accompanied by the Acting Chief Operations Officer, Mr Xolisa Njikelana; Senior Manager: Strategic Planning, Ms Zodwa Mashinini; Manager Legal and Governance, Mr Songezo Maqubela.
This drive served as part of the MQA CEO’s efforts to strengthen existing relationships with various institutions of higher learning across South Africa, which participate in the MQA’s Bursary Scheme and other learning programmes and initiatives.
Dr Thabo Mashongoane and the MQA team met with Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University, to identify areas of collaboration and gaps the MQA can fill to support Wits’ learners better.
Successful engagements were held, including opportunities to partner and share research in the advancing era of technology.
Professor Thokozani Majozi, Dean of Engineering and Built Environment at Wits University, vowed to work with the MQA to ensure the success of this partnership.
During the engagement sessions, the MQA CEO, Dr Thabo Mashongoane, provided an overview of the MQA’s mandate of administering skills development-related
The CEO also discussed other possible areas of partnership with these entities that would benefit the institution’s students and their surrounding communities.
Ms Zodwa Mashinini, Senior Manager Learning Programmes (Strategic Projects), provided a detailed overview of how the MQA offers financial support to students through the MQA’s
on interventions to implement skills development about the relevant rules, including the MQA’s Funding Policy.
The MQA CEO, Dr Thabo Mashongoane handing over a token of appreciation to Wits University Vice-Chancellor, Proffessor Zeblon Vilakazi
After the engagement sessions, Dr Mashongoane took the opportunity to offer tokens of appreciation to our valued partners, (the UKZN, WSU, and Wits colleagues) for the warm hospitality rendered during the engagement sessions. He emphasised the MQA’s desire and delight to meet the institutions for future collaborations.
Following the fruitful engagement sessions held with the institutions, MQA representatives were delighted to share group photos with UKZN, WSU and Wits colleagues to commemorate these occasions.
The MQA CEO Dr Thabo Mashongoane and WSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Rushiella
are pictured signing the Memorandum of Understanding. The two parties agree to collaborate per the contract’s terms and conditions.
On 27 October 2023, the MQA CEO, Dr Thabo Mashongoane, had the pleasure of addressing the finalyear students (NATED and NCV L4 and L3) at Tshwane North TVET College, Shoshanguve Campus.
The MQA honoured an invitation to this event from the event organiser, Ms Getrude Serage, and the Campus Manager, Mr Masalesa, under the outstanding leadership of the College Principal, Ms Thembi Tsibogo.
The MQA CEO addressed career guidance issues pertaining to seizing opportunities available in South Africa and offered by the MQA. Engaging with the learners on the ground and with their student leadership brought a greater sense of fulfilment and hope for successful skills development initiatives in the college through the MQA’s programmes.
Mr S Maringa from the National Youth Development Agency also spared a minute to deliver a motivational speech, elaborating on the need for learners to work towards establishing their businesses.
The learners and lecturers of TNTVET College were more than grateful for the CEO’s visit, which brought so much
Consultative Conference (AGM) and Good Practice and Recognition Awards on for the mining sector 23 and 24 November 2024 at Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg, Gauteng Province.
The event was facilitated by MQA stakeholder partners Mr Brian Ncube, Programme Manager of Mining Regulations at the Mine Health and Safety Council, and Ms Kedibone Moroane, Executive Manager of Research and Planning at Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority.
This event was divided into three sub-events, the first part was the Annual Consultative Conference (ACC) which focused on the reporting of the 2022-2023 performance and financial report which were then voted for and accepted by the sector stakeholders.
The second part was the actual Inaugural Mining Skills Lekgotla, which started with the main plenary in the morning of day one then breakaway sessions in the afternoon. The event was officially opened by the Chairperson of the MQA Board, Mr David Msiza.
He warmly welcomed all stakeholders who honoured the invitation to attend physically and virtually.
As a standard practice at all MQA events, a moment of silence was observed to remember all those who have departed through mine fatalities and Mr Mthokozisi Zondi, an MQA Board member, took the opportunity to provide the latest statistics on fatalities in the mining sector. The MQA CEO, Dr Thabo Mashongoane, proudly provided an overview of the MQA’s annual performance report during the 2022-2023 financial year, which yielded another clean
audit report for the organisation. Our Chief Financial Officer, Ms Lebogang Matlala, delivered a detailed presentation on the 2022/2023 annual financial report from the AuditorGeneral South Africa.
As per the MQA’s norm, a minute was spared to remember colleagues who lost their lives due to mining-related fatalities in the sector. Sector stakeholders pursue the goal of Zero Harm in the sector through health and safety learning programmes. Ms Anne Atlee, an MQA Board member, delivered closing remarks for the ACC and expressed her gratitude to MQA stakeholders, the Board and CEO.
At the main plenary, the following speakers tackled various topics: Mr Mustak Ally, Head of Skills Development from Minerals Council South Africa, addressed “Strengthening partnerships to encourage modern, high-quality, and agile skills development systems in the MMS.”
Mr Riaan Bergh, the CSIR’s Impact Area Manager, presented “4IR: Current and Future Skills.”
Ms Anne Mufamadi, Head of Skills Development and Training Programmes, Mining and Minerals Economic Division, spoke about “Entrepreneurship skills amongst small-scale miners: Training for impact in the MMS.”
Ms Fatheela Brovko, Chief Research Operations Officer at the Mine Health and Safety Council, discussed “The impact of Health and Safety in the MMS”.
Mr Kgaudi Mahlangu, Chief Executive Officer at Tuli HR & Projects, concluded the discussions with “Fit for purpose programmes to reskill the sector in the digital era.”
Part of the day’s programme was sectioned into six commissions, where delegated sector representatives shared a wealth of expertise on selected topics.
Another proud moment was captured as the MQA shared the pleasure of displaying some of its stakeholders’ and beneficiaries’ valuable masterpieces at the Mining Skills Lekgotla event, which signified the impact of the MQA learning programmes and diverse work done in the mining sector.
Among the Jewellery manufacturing companies that checked in at the event were Ditsala Designs and Creations Pty Ltd, Elegante South Africa, NQ Jewellery Design Service and The Jewellery Village. Photographs of their designs can be seen complementing this article.
On the evening of the first day of the event, the MQA hosted its various stakeholders at the Good Practice and
Recognition Awards gala dinner. This was a delightful evening as guests enjoyed a red carpet-moment in their immensely flattering attire.
Ms Merle Clark, Acting Executive Manager of Stakeholder Relations, served as the programme director for this part of the event.
The MQA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Thabo Mashongoane, took a moment on stage to commend the achievement of the nominees and winners for their remarkable roles in elevating skills development in the mining and minerals sector.
The highlight of the evening was when Mr Lebogang Rampyapedi, the Quality Assurance Special Award winner, captured the room’s attention by narrating his exceptional lifetime achievements.
This category recognised a learner living with a disability who started their own business to sustain their livelihood or gained employment after completing their training, and Mr Rampyapedi fell into the latter category. His story was one of the many commendable triumphs that genuinely touched everyone’s heart.
Upon completing his jewellery-making qualification, he secured employment as a student at KGK Diamond Company. Six months later, he became a permanent employee and subsequently won an Employee of the Month award within a month of occupying that position.
Soon after, he earned the managerial position in the cutting room. He has since been nominated to visit India in 2024 to further his training and gain additional experience in the diamond workspace.
In his thank-you speech, which his mother read on his behalf, Mr Rampyapedi attributed his success to the MQA, his employers, and the unwavering support of his parents, who proudly accompanied him to the gala dinner.
The Mining Qualifications Authority credits his success with direct proportionality to his relentless dedication to pursuing his goals and dreams.
Mr Rampyapedi is a beacon of what skills development in the mining and minerals sector aims to achieve.
Day two (2) of the event’s programme started with Mr Zukile Mvalo, the Deputy Director General for the Skills Development Branch at the Department of Higher Education and Training, welcoming all guests and the MQA, custodian of skills development in South Africa’s mining and minerals sector.
Mr Mvalo referred to the Mining Skills Lekgotla event as a summit to promote sustained growth and excellence in the sector, as “South Africa’s mining and minerals sector has been a cornerstone of our nation’s economy, creating jobs and contributing significantly to our gross domestic product.”
Ms Gaofengwe Molatlhegi, a beneficiary of the MQA’s internship programme, also stood before the congregation to narrate her experiences as one of the interns during the 2019-2021 period, which created an opportunity for her to be offered permanent employment at Impala Concentrator. Ms Molatlhegi currently works as a Senior Metallurgist.
On day two, rapporteurs for the different commissions provided feedback regarding the various discussion topics and reserved a moment to field questions from the delegates during the question-and-answer session.
The MQA thanked the incomparable programme directors, Ms Kedibone Moroane and Mr Brian Ncube, for honouring our request to guide the event’s proceedings and the incredible work done over the two-day event. The MQA looks forward to partnering with them again in future.
The MQA expressed a great sense of gratitude to its most valued partners, the mining and minerals sector stakeholders and exhibitors as listed below:
The State Diamond Trader; the South African Diamond and Precious Metals Regulator; NQ Jewellery Design Services and The Jewellery Village; Ditsala Designs; Elegante; the Mine Health and Safety Council; the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy; and the Department of Higher Education and Training/KHETHA.
The MQA Board Member, Advocate Hanlie Janse van Vuuren closed the proceedings of the two-day Inaugural Mining Skills Lekgotla, Annual Consultative Conference and Good Practice and Recognition Awards ceremony.
On 04 December 2023, the Mining Qualifications Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Thabo Mashongoane, handed over toolboxes at the MQA Head Office to the artisan graduates who participated in the MQA’s Centres of Specialisation (CoS) Project.
The toolboxes were distributed to the qualified CoS artisans to equip them with the necessary tools to carry out duties in their designated trades.
Additionally, this provision was made to assist interested graduates in venturing into self-employment and business ownership, which will, in turn, create employment for other qualifying candidates in their communities.
Among the distinguished guests at the handover session was Mr Sabelo Buthelezi, the Director of Special Projects at the Department of Higher Education and Training. He encouraged the new graduates to lift the flags of their former TVET Colleges higher as they prepare to serve their communities. He further thanked the MQA for its exceptional support of the DHET’s CoS programme.
The CoS participants and toolbox recipients were also allowed to speak briefly about their experiences during their training.
Ms Lindiwe Makwe, who obtained her Occupational Trade qualification under Ergo Business Development Academy, thanked the MQA for allowing her to train as an artisan and for gifting her with a recognition certificate that will potentially open doors of success for her in the sector; the provision of a toolbox also came in handy, as it would make things easier in her future workplace.
Mr Mogapi Motshwanedi also expressed his gratitude for the MQA’s reliability and loyalty. He also thanked his mentor for his support and Glencore Mine for the employment opportunity upon completion of his qualification. He further indicated that he aspires to be an entrepreneur soon.
This was a proud moment for the MQA as it highlighted the training successes achieved through the organisation’s work and demonstrated the impact on various communities by training a generation of future leaders in the mining and minerals sector.
4. How has the MQA assisted you in your career development?
The MQA contributed towards my career development by funding my training for a trade certificate.
5. What benefits have you gained as an MQA beneficiary?
I now have an opportunity to act as an artisan when the other artisans I work with are on leave, enhancing my experience in the rigging field.
6. What type of challenges did you encounter before the MQA’s assistance?
ASEZA HLOMENDLINI RIGGING1. Briefly describe your personal and educational background.
I come from the Eastern Cape Province, where I attended Riverside High School and matriculated in 2003. After this, I furthered my studies at Eastern Cape Technical College, where I completed my N3 in Rigging.
I then joined Anglo American Platinum in 2007, where I began as a TPT. After that, I became a loco operator and finally moved to the Engineering Section, where I started as an artisan assistant. In 2018, I received a Learnership to complete my Trade in Rigging, and in August 2022, I completed my Trade.
2. What does your occupation entail/involve?
My current occupation as an artisan assistant involves assisting the artisans with their daily and weekly legal compliance checks on the chairlifts and winders. If there are major duties, such as a rope change on the winder or a front or back-end on the winder, I also assist with such.
3. What inspired your choice of career?
I saw the rigging trade as challenging and did not shy away from challenges. Thus, I was determined to show that a woman can become a rigger.
I didn’t have the privilege of acting before, and my future in the company was standing still, but now, with the MQA certificate, I have a much brighter future.
7. How would you encourage someone who would like to follow in your footsteps?
My most significant message for those who want to follow in my footsteps is never to give up. Even when things become challenging, and you feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, your day will come, and your dreams will come true.
8. What would you say is your biggest achievement so far?
My most significant achievement so far is completing my trade in rigging.
9. How far would you want to further your career?
I want to move into the Safety Sector and become a Safety Officer.
10. How do you think your career achievement will contribute to the mining and minerals sector?
Riggers are always needed in the Mining and Minerals Sector, and someone with a trade in this field will always be needed.
11. What would be your message to young aspiring individuals who would one day wish to follow in your footsteps?
The most significant message is not to give up, as I have mentioned before, and anything is possible if you work hard and stay determined to reach your goal.
