MQA Bumper Edition 2021-2022

MQA News www.mqa.org.za

EDITION 2021/2022

COVER PICTURE: DR THABO MASHONGOANE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (ACTING)

IN THIS ISSUE: CELEBRATING LITERACY IN A DIGITAL AGE HYBRID STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT EVENT CONNECTS THE MQA WITH SECTOR STAKEHOLDERS

MINING QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

CONTENTS 4 5 6 8 13

NOTE FROM THE ACTING CEO EDITOR’S NOTE UNEMPLOYED YOUTH GET A BOOST CELEBRATING LITERACY IN A DIGITAL AGE STAKEHOLDERS SHINE AT THE HYBRID ANNUAL CONSULTATIVE CONFERENCE HYBRID STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT EVENT CONNECTS THE MQA WITH SECTOR STAKEHOLDERS SKILLS DEVELOMENT FRATENITY AIMS TO PROMOTE INNOVATION AND DIGITALISATION IN THE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT ECOSYSTEM FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH QUALITY ASSURANCE: REQUIRED IMPLEMENTATION OF OQSF POLICY DIGITAL MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION PLATFORMS …A DEVELOPING FOCUS FOR THE MQA CAREER GUIDANCE FOR FUTURE LEARNER SUCCESS SOUTH AFRICAN FLAG IS FLOWN HIGH AT THE WORLD SKILLS AFRICA COMPETITION INTRODUCING MQA BOARD MEMBERS

CREDITS PUBLISHERS: LAYOUT AND DESIGN: EDITOR: EDITORIAL TEAM:

Mining Qualifications Authority Litha Communications Merle Clark Amanda Masilo Baitse Mokiti Marilyn Baloyi

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Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) Physical Address: 7 Anerley Road, Parktown Tel: 011 547 2600 Email: info@mqa.org.za Website: www.mqa.org.za

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NOTE FROM THE ACTING CEO

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as ensuring that this becomes an important information sharing platform.

It has been three years since our normal lives have been challenged with the restrictions of the lockdowns resulting from the world-wide novel coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic. We have covered this topic extensively in this edition and have no doubt that we will continue to cover the issue in future editions. Implore all our stakeholders to vaccinate.

Our country continues to experience the unfortunate loss of lives and jobs due to many contributing factors such as the covid-19 pandemic, mine accidents, and other natural disasters as we have seen in KwaZulu-Natal. The spirit of all the departed will forever remain in our hearts and minds, and will never be forgotten. May the winds of heaven blow softly and whisper in their ears. We extended our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends who have lost their loved ones.

Dr T Mashongoane, Acting Chief Executive Officer I am delighted that I have been appointed as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (ACEO) by the MQA Board, starting from 1 March 2022. I am looking forward to forging meaningful and fruit bearing relationships with all the stakeholders for the improvement of the mining and minerals sector. I take this opportunity to congratulate my predecessor, Mr Bethuel Nemagovhani who performed a sterling job of steering the orgarnisation during his tenure. The MQA Executive team has worked well together as a united force under his leadership.

In ensuring that all stakeholders are kept informed about the issues affecting the organisation and the sector, from henceforth, I will use the newsletter as one of the communication platforms.

We continued to engage the sector stakeholders at other communication platforms such as the Annual Consultative Conference (ACC), International Literacy Day (ILD), Stakeholder Engagement Forum and many others. We have also noted your feedback in terms of how we can improve in offering our services to you. We welcome the feedback we received from the Stakeholder Perception Survey, which we recently conducted. All efforts will be made to ensure that we improve and implement the recommendations of the survey.

I would also like to encourage the sector as well as internal staff members to submit pertinent topics that affect our sector, as well

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We applaud the support, co-operation and contribution made by our valued stakeholders. The MQA continues to thrive in its mandate of facilitating skills development in the sector. Many of our staff members continued to work remotely to contribute towards the country’s objective of flattening the curve and encouraging social distancing, however, we remain connected to engage with you using limited face-to-face interactions at our offices, telephones, email, zoom and Microsoft Office video conferencing engagements, amongst others.

The MQA had the opportunity of contributing and participating at the fifth (5th) National Skills Conference, convened in a hybrid format from 28 to 29 September 2021. Notable outcomes came out of the conference for implementation by all those involved in skills development. As a collective, and as we continue with our efforts in driving the skills development mandate for a better country, I would like to urge all our stakeholders to internalise those outcomes and bring them to life.

Even though we currently have not finalised our external audits, I am comfortable to share that the MQA has performed well. This will however be ratified by the completion of the audit, sometime in September 2022. At that time, we promise to come back to all our communication platforms and share the good news from the Auditor General of South Africa.

Enjoy reading the articles covered and may we continue working together in addressing the ills of our South African society, through the implementation of skills development programmes.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

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Merle Clark, Editor For the most of the last two years, the MQA like many other organisations around the world, continued to serve its stakeholders amidst the hovering covid-19 pandemic. There was a sense of optimistic relief when his Excellency the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa announced the termination of the National State of Disaster in response to the covid-19 pandemic on 04 April 2022.

This announcement provided the MQA with some relief on some of the challenges that presented themselves during the pandemic. The excitement being the opportunity to ensure increased interaction on the ground, between MQA staff and stakeholders, something that could not easily be achieved during the pandemic as many activities became virtual or hybrid. Even though the hybrid model of communication assisted with continued engagement, the MQA now sees increased opportunities to interact face-to-face going forward.

During the financial year, the MQA was privileged to be led by Mr Bethuel Nemagovhani as the Acting Chief Executive Officer. The new financial year kicked off with Doctor Thabo Mashongoane, the current Chief Operations Officer (COO) being provided with the opportunity to act as the Chief Executive Officer of the MQA. We thank the outgoing acting CEO for his valuable and committed contribution, and we welcome the new acting CEO, Dr Mashongoane. Doc as he is affectionately referred to, is committed to building relationships with all stakeholders for the betterment of the sector.

In the year, many engagement events were held which contributed to stakeholder engagement and feedback. These interactions were spread to ensure interaction with learners employed and unemployed, training providers and employers alike. Some of the activities included the National Skills Authority Conference hosted in September of 2021 by the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, themed around the promotion of innovation and digitalisation in the skills development ecosystem.

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This is a topic that the MQA is very passionate about as it embraces the fourth industrial revolution and the role the MQA, and the sector should play. This was followed by the Annual Consultative Conference held on 5 November 2022 after the MQA Annual Report for the 2021-2022 financial year was tabled by the Department of Higher Education and Training in Parliament. This event included the MQA stakeholder awards that were hosted for the first time, with many stakeholders being recognised for the role they play in ensuring that the sector skills are enhanced.

The MQA kicked off 2022 with the International Literacy Day event, held in partnership with mining houses hosted on 29 January 2022. This date was chosen after the postponement of the annual worldwide September event whose goal is to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society. Stakeholders throughout the provinces had the opportunity to be part of the event, whether it was in person at the main event in Carletonville, remotely from the various identified hosting sites, or in the comfort of stakeholder’s laptops at home or a location of their choice. The MQA also hosted the annual Stakeholder Engagement Forum on 4 March 2022, to ensure performance, feedback to MQA stakeholders as well as to introduce the MQA newly appointed Acting Executives and full-time appointees. A career guidance event focusing on the future of learners was also hosted in Vhembe Limpopo on 14 March 2022. Read about the various events in this newsletter.

The youth of our country were also given a boost through a number of training programmes that will ensure skills enhancement, and for them to become economically productive citizens. These learners were represented from some of the provinces where unemployment is a challenge for the youth. Read about the various programmes from page 4.

Quality assurance also took centre stage in this newsletter as various changes are introduced following the announcement of the Occupational Qualifications Sub Framework (OQSF) Policy that was finalised in October 2021. The information highlights the role the MQA, and stakeholders should play in the implementation going forward. Read about the new developments from pages 23.

Lastly, following the approval of the MQA Constitution, and being granted the approval by the DHET, a new MQA Board with supporting Committees was appointed in the financial year.

Introductions of the Board Members appears from page 33. We welcome the new Board and Committee members and wish them success as they contribute to supporting the MQA in driving its skills development mandate.

Enjoy reading this Bumper Newsletter Edition. We remain committed to keeping all our valued stakeholders informed.

Stakeholders are encouraged to submit letters and success stories for publication.

Merle Clark

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Unemployed Youth GET A BOOST

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The Mining Qualifications Authority funds the mining community project. The project’s aim is to support retrenched, ex-mine workers, unemployed youth and women living in mining communities. In direct response to the opportunities and threats that present themselves for skills development initiatives in the mining and minerals sector, the MQA invariably priorities strategic projects that support its overall strategic direction in response to the constantly evolving external environment. The MQA is proud to announce some of the successes realised

through unemployed youth interventions implemented in Gauteng, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and the Northern Cape Provinces. It is encouraging to note the positive impact that this programme has made in improving the livelihood of its beneficiaries. The Bera Diamond Academy, Leribe Training Solutions, Dragon Precision and Engineering, and Vika Training Academy are amongst the 23 service providers allocated for the unemployed youth development in the first discretionary grant allocation window of the 2021/2022 financial year,

Leribe Training Solutions Sixty (60) learners were trained in the Clothing Manufacturing Skills Programme in the Free State in a small farming town of Rammulutsi, Viljoeskroon. All 60 learners were issued with sewing machines to further operate on their own post training. The training was from September 2021 and concluded on 15 December 2021.

Learners with their sewing machines and getting ready to exit the project.

One learner from the Leribe project, Sindiswa Beloo working post training in the comfort of her home.

Dragon Precision and Engineering Thirty (30) learners were trained on the Welding Skills Programme in Newcastle KwaZulu Natal. The training commenced on 27 September 2021 and concluded on 05 November 2021. Learners received a statement of results from the MerSETA. All learners were issued with welding inverters to continue working post training.

Learners showing off their welding inverters.

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Learners showcasing their work towards the end of the training.

The Bera Diamond Academy Thirty (30) learners with disabilities were trained on the Pottery Skills Programme in Lenasia Gauteng. The 30 learners received statement of results from the CATHSSETA. Learners will be able to sell their pottery and bead work products to create an income. This can be done from the comfort of their homes. There are free flea markets where they can also sell their products. The college will also assist learners with pottery objects that needs to be baked and glazed in a kiln. All learners will be given the opportunity to access the facilities at the college on request.

Vika Training Academy Ceremony The MQA representatives attended a graduation ceremony together with Tsantsabane Municipal Mayor, Khumani Mine, Moolman’s, Dikwena Mine Glosam Mine and the Northern Cape Community Education and Training College to celebrate the achievement of 181 learners who successfully complemented training and were declared competent in the following skills: • •

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96 beneficiaries declared competent in the Computer Skills Programme accredited by MICTSETA. 84 beneficiaries were declared competent in the Operate Mobile Machinery for Surface Excavation Operations skills programme accredited by the MQA. The opportunies post training for beneficiaries declared competent in the Computer Skills Programme.

17 learners that were interested in entrepreneurship were assisted by Vika Training to register businesses and funded the start-up kits to open Four (4) Internet Cafe’s around the Tsantsabane Local Municipality in the following areas Maremane, Postdene, Marantheng and Groenwater.

40 learners opted to further their studies and have been registered on AET Level 4.

19 learners are registered with Department of Higher Education to complete their matric.

10 learners were declared competent in the Operate Mobile Machinery for Surface Excavation Operations Skills Programmes, and are permanently employed by Glosam Mine.

2 permanently employed at Solar Project in Groenwater as operators. Mines around Tsatsabane Local Municipality expressed interest in absorbing additional beneficiaries who successfully complete the Psychometric (Dover) test.

Learners that attended the Vila Training Academy Programme

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CELEBRATING LITERACY IN A DIGITAL AGE

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The festivities of International Literacy Day (ILD) were off to a good start on Saturday, 29 January 2022, when the Mining Qualifications Authority; partnered with Impala Platinum, Harmony Gold Mine, Palabora Mining Company, Samancor Eastern Chrome Mines; and Adult Education and Training (AET) learners in the mining and minerals sector. Delegates gathered from different provinces to celebrate the achievements of the AET learning programme.

The main hosting site was at the Harmony Gold Village Club in Carletonville, at the Mponeng Gold Mine, which holds the record of being the world’s deepest mine from ground level. The satellite host venues were at Hedgehog’s Nest in the North West, and at Tubatse Chrome Club in Limpopo.

AET learners an exciting opportunity to experience the current move towards digital literacy, as the mining houses linked in and streamed the proceedings from different hosting sites, thus allowing learners to also partake in the event’s festivities.

International Literacy Day is an annual event that is celebrated globally during the month of September.

The day presents an opportunity to honour and celebrate the invaluable importance of literacy amongst communities, societies, and individuals.

Countless activities take place to raise awareness about the significance of literacy within the global community.

In line with the theme of the event, namely “Transitioning through AET to the 4th Industrial Revolution”, the event was held in a hybrid format due to the in-person capacity limitations imposed by lockdown regulations. Nonetheless, this afforded the

According to the Global Monitoring Report Over Education, one in five men and two-thirds of women are illiterate. Some of them have minimum literacy skills. While some children are still out of school, some are attending school irregularly. In South Africa, a programme such as AET is well recognised for the contributions it has made to the marked improvement in adult literacy levels.

Mr Lucky Mthombeni, AET learner (Picture taken by Baitse Mokiti)

Mr Bethuel Nemagovhani Acting MQA CEO welcoming guests to the event

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Therefore, the objectives of the annual ILD event are significant for the MQA, mining houses and organised labour within the mining and minerals sector. The event encourages new entrants in the AET learning programme, celebrates learners that are currently on AET programmes as well as learners who have successfully completed their AET training.

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Ms Lusanda Mbane, an award winning actress, radio personality, speaker, and entrepreneur, brought her brand of vibrancy to the event as the programme director. She opened the day’s proceedings by introducing the guests that were on the event’s itinerary. These included members of the MQA Board including Mr David Msiza the MQA Board Chairperson; the MQA Executive Team; the Executive Management Team from Harmony Gold Mine; and Mr Buti Manamela, the Honourable Deputy Minister of the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.

Ms Mabo Maliza Harmony Gold Mine’s Head of Learning and Transformation, welcoming the guests

As it has become customary to observe, a moment of silence to remember loved ones that succumbed to Covid-19, the same commemoration was extended to include colleagues in the mining and mineral sector who lost their lives because of mining related incidents while performing their duties.

The melodic sounds of the Rhythm Africa marimba ensamble enthralled both the audience and the streaming delegates and added a palpable merriment to the day’s proceedings.

The role of health and safety forms the cornerstone of all activities within the mining and minerals sector.

To this end, a safety induction was conducted by Ms Vicky Gugwana from Mponeng Mine.

Following on from the safety induction, Ms Mabo Maliza, MQA Board Member and Head of Learning

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Programme Director, Ms Lusanda Mbane

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A cheerful Mr David Msiza, MQA Board Chairperson

Ms Ann Atlee, MQA Board Member addressing AET learners

and Transformation at Harmony Gold Mine, warmly welcomed the guests and learners as the main host company for the event.

of their lives. It is for this reason that the ILD event, and the celebration of literacy in our communities, continues to serve as a good platform to celebrate our everyday heroes, the AET learners, whose achievements bear testimony to what determination and hard work can achieve.”

The MQA’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr Bethuel Nemagovhani set the tone for the day by addressing the purpose of the event. He said, “Today’s event is being hosted in honour of International Literacy Day which is ordinarily celebrated worldwide on 08 September each year to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies.

In the mining and minerals sector, the significance of this event is to recognise and to reward the efforts of individuals and stakeholders that participate in adult literacy programmes within the sector.”

He also emphasised the importance of literacy by saying, “We have seen and read countless accounts concerning the manner in which an individual’s quality of life became transformed as a direct consequence of improvements in their literacy levels, and learning basic skills an individual will need in various areas

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An individual has the basic right to literacy which is guaranteed in South Africa’s Constitution.

Mr Nemagovhani, however, decried the levels of inequality which still characterise the country and which also contributes towards South Africa lagging behind other countries in terms of progress with its literacy rate.

Nevertheless, he commended the stakeholders in the mining and minerals sector for their tireless efforts in ensuring literacy amongst its work force. “The MQA is pleased to note that mining companies continue to support the adult education and training (AET) learning programme, where in the previous financial year, the MQA exceeded its target set for the number

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of learners who successfully completed their AET and National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED) courses,” he said.

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The MQA Board Chairperson discussed the issue of transformation in the sector and reiterated the learning programmes that are offered by the MQA. He said,

“The MQA also offers community focused skills programmes. The mining sector however cannot absorb all people. The MQA has programmes that offer skills to communities situated within mining areas in an effort to reverse the levels of unemployment.”

He also focused on COVID-19 and its far-reaching impact within the sector. He made mention of the collective effort that the mining sector has successfully vaccinated over 74% of its entire workforce. “There is also an agreement that the vaccination drive is not limited to mineworkers only, but it is also extended to the surrounding communities,” he added.

He further encouraged the attending delegates to visit the MQA website to explore the programmes the organisation has to offer. In his closing statement he reiterated,

“Don’t restrict yourself. Don’t limit the information to each other only; but share it with your communities.”

Other speakers provided testament to the positive outcomes of the AET learning programme in the personal and work life of those who successfully completed their AET training.

Ms Ann Atlee, MQA Board Member, encouraged the learners to overcome the stigma associated with adult learning and enrol in AET to improve their skills and as well as their lives. She also invited the learners to take advantage of this learning opportunity: “Move yourself up. Don’t fail yourself.”

Mr Lucky Mthombeni, one of the successful AET learners from Impala Platinum, also offered a

AET Learners engaged in the proceedings of the day.

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Entertainment by the Rhythm Africa marimba band

message of encouragement to the stakeholders and learners. Although he came from a poor background, where he lacked access to quality education, his sheer determination and hard work was the catapult that he needed to enrol in the AET learning programme to better himself.

watching the live streaming of the event from other provinces.

Mr Michael Mlambo, a former AET learner working at Sibanye Stillwater, detailed how the MQA transformed his life and how he progressed from attaining his AET qualification, to achieve various other qualifications.

Mr Mlambo is currently studying towards a diploma.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ms Kefiloe Mnisi, an AET Facilitator working at Doornkop Mine, spoke with passion as she discussed the challenges as well as the rewards of teaching adult learners. She too encouraged the AET learners to continue pursuing the path of improved learning.

Dr Kenneth Netshiombo, MQA Board Member, closed the proceedings by offering the vote of thanks to the gathered delegates, as well as those who were

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The Mining Qualifications Authority would like to extend its gratitude towards the following mining companies, AET learners and other stakeholders: Harmony Gold Mine Mponeng Harmony Gold Mine Free State Beatrix Gold Mine Doornkop Gold Mine Impala Platinum Mine Hedgehog’s Nest Palabora Mining Company Samancor Eastern Chrome Mines Tubatse Chrome Club Doornkop Mine Sibanye Stillwater Mr Michael Mlambo Mr Lucky Mthombeni Ms Kefiloe Mnisi Ms Lusanda Mbane Rhythm Africa

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STAKEHOLDERS SHINE AT THE HYBRID ANNUAL CONSULTATIVE CONFERENCE

The MQA held its first ever hybrid Annual Consultative Conference event on 05 November 2021 at the rebranded A New Hotel Parktonian (formerly Parktonian All-Suite Hotel) situated in Braamfontein, in the heart of Johannesburg’s Central Business District.

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The event, hosted under the theme: “Moving forward with skills development amidst the ‘New Normal’”, attracted close to seventy-seven (77) stakeholders who attended the in-person session, while approximately 200 other stakeholders streamed into the live proceedings from all nine provinces via the Zoom digital platform.

The ACC event offers an opportunity for the MQA to formally discuss its annual performance, and to examine pertinent issues concerning skills development training within the mining and minerals sector.

Furthermore, the event also focused on the MQA’s current achievements; the MQA skills development projects; the various challenges facing the mining and minerals sector and the MQA, with a view towards increased engagements; as well as health and safety issues.

The entertainment for the day was provided by Cici, the popular singer, actress, and dancer whose repertoire of African inspired music, including popular

Zurel Bros SA

Colliery Training College

Harmony Gold Mine

Hlogirati (Pty) Ltd HSEQ Services

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Impala Platinum Services

Keaton Mining

Longken (Pty) Ltd

Murray & Roberts Cementation

songs such as Miriam Makeba’s beloved Pata, had the audience completely enthralled and dancing their hearts out!

the opportunity to formally introduce the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer Dr Thabo Mashongoane, as well as the Executive Manager of Corporate Services, Mr Mashudu Mavhungu. He also presented the invited speakers from the labour, employers, and education sectors within the mining industry, who formed part of the programme’s panel discussion.

The incomparable Dr Criselda Kananda had both the in-person delegates and those streaming into the live proceedings completely riveted as she carried out her role as the appointed programme director for the day. She played a crucial role in ensuring the robust engagements that took place as panel speakers addressed challenges and opportunities that were being experienced in the sector.

The Board Chairperson Mr David Msiza, on behalf of the MQA Board, welcomed all the delegates, and took

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He was followed by the Acting Chief Executive Office, Mr Bethuel Nemagovhani, who reiterated the MQA’s vision, mission, and the renewed MQA values, which form the core of the MQA’s mandate for the mining and minerals sector. He also elaborated on the new composition of the MQA Board which is now comprised of:

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• One (1) Chairperson; • Five (5) Employer representatives; • Six (6) representatives from the Labour constituency; • One (1) State representative; • One (1) Community representative.

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Furthermore, he presented the reformatted structure of the MQA Committees and focused on the six (6) MQA Strategic Objectives which steer the organisation and provide direction with regards to the MQA’s skills development mandate.

whereby the MQA achieved eighty-three (83) per cent of its set target as per the Service Level Agreement with the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation. To this end, the organisation received an unqualified audit opinion from the office of the Auditor General South Africa. To help lighten the mood of the event, the Acting CEO infused some humour into his presentation by showing a series of short, comical clips that the audience appreciated allowing them to burst in uncontrollable fits of laughter).

Mr Nemagovhani presented the organisation’s overall performance for the 2020-2021 financial year

The Acting Chief Financial Officer, Ms Lebogang Matlala, provided a succinct explanation on the MQA’s financial performance for the year under review.

VH Exploration

Ms Mabo Maliza, MQA Board Member, giving a vote of thanks

Mr David Msiza, MQA Board Chairperson addressing the delegates at the ACC event

The MQA Executives Ms Lebogang Matlala

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Mr

Bethuel

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Nemagovhani

and

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Mr Aubrey Tshabalala, Executive Member at COSATU

Programme Director, Dr Criselda Kananda

Mr Tony Pretorius, ETD Executive at Murray & Roberts Cementation

Performer Cici entertaining the guests

The programme then proceeded to the panel discussion, where the programme director Dr Kananda, facilitated an engaging discussion where different speakers addressed mining and minerals sector related topics.

and Roberts Cementation, where he spoke on the topic, “The benefits of mechanised and virtual training for the Mining Sector’’.

Mr Aubrey Tshabalala, an Executive Member at the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), offered an insightful view into the fourth industrial revolution with the topic, “The Proposed Direction for 4IR MMS training and its impact”.

Professor Pius Adewale Owolami, the Researcher and Head of Department of Computer Systems Engineering at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), addressed the captive delegates via a video-link when he discussed the subject matter, “Developing HET technological and virtual curriculum or qualifications for the MMS’’.

This was followed by a riveting virtual presentation from Mr Tony Pretorius, the ETD Executive at Murray

The highlight of the event was the 2021 Good Practice Awards where companies were recognised

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Category: Workplace Skills Plan and Annual Training Report (WSP & ATR) Submission • Large company: Longken (Pty) Intermine Agencies.

• Medium-sized company: Illangabi Investments 12 (Pty).

• Small company: A & B Global Mining.

Registration desk at the ACC event

for their diligent commitment to assist learners to attain accredited training in the mining and minerals sector. These companies were nominated for different categories by a MQA committee comprising MQA staff members from the Learning Programmes Department.

The winners in each category were: Category: Artisan Development • Large company: Exxaro Coal – Grovos.

• Medium-sized company: Colliery Training College.

• Small company: VH Exploration.

Category: Non-Artisan Development • Large company: Murray and Roberts Cementation (Pty) Ltd. • Medium-sized company: DLA Investments.

• Small company: Intsika Beneficiation Project.

Category: Work Experience • Large company: Murray and Roberts Cementation (Pty) Ltd. • Medium-sized company: Colliery Training College.

• Small company: NPC-CIMPOR (RF).

Category: Internship Programme • Large company: Impala Platinum Services Ltd. • Medium-sized company: Keaton Mining.

• Small company: Hlogirati (Pty) Ltd HSEQ Services.

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Category: Mine Community Development (90% Learner Absorption Rate) • Large company: Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited.

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Category: Accredited Skills Development Providers • Large company: Murray and Roberts Cementation (Pty) Ltd. • Medium-sized company: Zurel Bros SA. Category: Supported Accredited Historically Disadvantaged South Africans for Entry as Skills Development Providers • Mzila Institute of Excellence (Pty) Ltd. Category: Support for Centres of Specialisation (Best Host Employer) • VH Exploration.

Each winning company received a framed certificate, a cheque, and a trophy to display at their respective sites.

In closing, MQA Board Member Ms Maboswaneng Malaza, offered an inspiring vote of thanks to the MQA Board, the delegates that were attending inperson and virtually, the MQA Executive Managers and staff, and the panellists that took part in the discussions.

The Mining Qualifications Authority would like to express its sincerest gratitude to the above companies as well as stakeholders at large for partnering with the organisation to advance skills development training in the mining and minerals sector.

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HYBRID STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT EVENT CONNECTS THE MQA WITH SECTOR STAKEHOLDERS MINING QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

On the 4th of March 2022, the Mining Qualifications Authority hosted the annual Stakeholder Engagement Forum event in a hybrid format at the A New Hotel Parktonian Hotel in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

For the MQA, the occasion presented a good platform to inform and engage stakeholders on key achievements, challenges, skills development and training opportunities available within the mining and minerals sector. The engagement forum was open to both internal and external MQA stakeholders with approximately thirty-eight (38) delegates attending the in-person session, while seventy-six (76) stakeholders attended the virtual session of the event.

the day by welcoming the attending and streaming delegates, and she also introduced the speakers.

As it has become part of the MQA’s custom and one of the organisation’s unwritten values, a moment of silence was observed to remember stakeholders who have departed because of Covid-19 related illnesses as well as stakeholders who lost their lives due to mining related incidences while performing their duties.

Ms Zodwa Mashinini, the Learning Programme’s Manager of Strategic Projects, was at the helm as the programme director and provided direction for the proceedings of the event. She commenced

The panel of speakers, who would focus on various areas regarding the MQA’s performance, comprised the MQA’s Executive Management team, which included Dr Thabo Mashongoane, Chief Executive Officer (Acting); Ms Bridgette Mathebula, Chief Operating Officer (Acting); Ms Lebogang Matlala Chief Financial Officer; Mr Mashudu Mavhungu, Executive Manager Corporate Services; Mr Bethuel

Ms Zodwa Mashinini, Mpumalanga Regional Manager (Acting)

Ms Lebogang Matlala, newly appointed Chief Financial Officer

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Nemaghovani, Chief Risk Monitoring and Evaluation Officer; and Mr Tshepo Tsotetsi Executive Manager Stakeholder Relations (Acting).

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Mr Bethuel Nemagovhani, the Chief Risk Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, discussed the strategies outlined in the National Skills Development Plan (NSDP), which was promulgated by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in consultation with the National Skills Authority (NSA).

He further reiterated the following eight (8) priority areas contained within the NSDP: • Outcome 1: Identifying and increasing production of occupations in high demand.

• Outcome 2: Linking education and the workplace.

• Outcome 3: Improving the level of skills in the South African workforce.

• Outcome 4: Increasing access to occupationally directed programmes.

• Outcome 5: Supporting the growth of the public college system.

• Outcome 6: Skills development support for entrepreneurship and co-operative development.

• Outcome 7: Encouraging and supporting workerinitiated training.

• Outcome 8: Supporting career development services.

Mr Bethuel Nemagovhani, Chief Risk Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

The above outcomes serve as a roadmap, providing focus areas for Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) in relation to skills development training within the various industries that each SETA serves.

Mr Nemagovhani also focused on the outcomes from the well-received National Skills Conference, which took place on 28 and 29 September 2021.

Amongst some of these outcomes was the need to establish more co-ordinated partnerships

Mining Qualification Authority

Mining Qualification Authority

Dr Thabo Mashongoane, Chief Executive Officer (Acting)

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amongst stakeholders in the skills development fraternity, to address weakness encountered within the Community Education and Training (CET) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems. He also discussed the need to review the early childhood development curriculum with a concerted focus on digital literacy and its successful implementation.

Furthermore, the NSA should strengthen its monitoring and evaluation processes, with a focus on implementing effective learning programmes, as well as to produce the measurable impact of skills development initiatives.

The next speaker was the Acting CEO, Dr Mashongoane. He focused on the MQA’s mandate, which is concluded each year with the DHET. Dr Mashongoane provided an overview of the composition of the organisation’s new Board and Committees that are poised to best serve the various stakeholders within the mining and minerals sector.

He formally introduced the MQA’s Executive Management team to the delegates, and introduced the organisation’s first female Chief Financial Officer, Ms Lebogang Matlala, who was warmly welcomed by the delighted delegates.

The Acting CEO also focused on the success of various learning programmes and training interventions, including occupational health, safety, artisan development, and mine community development. He called to attention the implementation of tracer studies to measure the impact of these learning programmes and training interventions the MQA facilitates within the sector.

The newly appointed Chief Financial Officer, Ms Lebogang Matlala, guided the delegates through the MQA’s financial performance highlighting how

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Mr Tshepo Tsotetsi, Executive Manager Stakeholder Relations (Acting)

this contributed to the organisation’s outstanding achievement of an unqualified audit report from the Auditor General South Africa.

The MQA continues to play a vital role in promoting efficient and effective governance while contributing to improved skills development within the mining and minerals sector. It is through such engagements that the significance of co-operation and participation by all parties, who are contributors to the sector, is greatly demonstrated.

The MQA utilised the engagement to discuss challenges; showcase learner success stories and achievements; and present projected plans that are in line with the Mining Qualification Authority’s (MQA) vision, mission, values, and legislative mandate.

During the question-and-answer session of the programme, the programme director provided

Mining Qualification Authority

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MINING QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY MQA

The MQA’s Executive Management Team- Mr Mashudu Mavhungu, Ms Bridgette Mathebula, Mr Bethuel Nemaghovani, Dr Thabo Mashongoane and Ms Lebogang Matlatla

stakeholders with the opportunity to pose questions to the various speakers. The list below highlights some of the issues that were raised by delegates that were attending in-person, as well as those who were attending virtually: • • • • • • •

The submission deadline for workplace skills plans (WSPs) and annual training reports (ATRs).

Funding requirements for MQA accredited training providers.

The MQA’s monitoring and evaluation verification processes.

Communication to stakeholders relating to MQAI-Share Communication updates.

The turn-around time for funding allocation to MQA accredited service providers.

The payment of mandatory grants.

Correct contact details of MQA staff to assist with queries.

Mining Qualification Authority

Mining Qualification Authority

At the end of the session, the delegates commended the MQA for the notable achievement the organisation has attained, with specific reference to the Mining Community Development programme.

The MQA’s Executive Managers also took this opportunity to note key issues that had been raised by stakeholders, and assured the delegates that appropriate solutions will be ensured to address the issues raised.

In closing, the Programme Director conducted the vote of thanks and extended her gratitude to the MQA Executive Managers, MQA staff members, and the delegates that attended the event.

The MQA is committed to host ongoing engagements that bring stakeholders together as part of its efforts to utilise the collective knowledge, experience, and expertise that will result in effective solutions within the mining and minerals sector.

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SKILLS DEVELOMENT FRATENITY AIMS TO PROMOTE INNOVATION AND DIGITALISATION IN THE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT ECOSYSTEM FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH

MINING QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

development fraternity responds with innovative and agile solutions.

Various deliberations at the five commissions emphasised the need for the fast-tracking implementation of the National Skills Development Plan (NSDP) 2030 goals, in order to promote accessibility, inclusivity and transformation to curb the gaps between the poor and the rich.

The deliberations of the two days were centred around the need to encourage delegates to deliberate on realistic possibilities that are concrete and implementable.

An apprenticeship system was identified as one of the quick wins for upskilling the youth and creating opportunities for employment.

Chairperson of the National Skill Authority, Dr Charles Nwaila

The fifth (5) National Skills Conference successfully convened in a hybrid format from 28 to 29 September 2021, under the leadership of the Chairperson of the National Skills Authority (NSA), Dr Charles Nwaila, members of the Authority, skills development, organisations and post school education and training stakeholders.

The conference took place under the theme “Promoting innovation and digitalisation in the skills development ecosystem and contributing towards a responsive future of inclusive growth”.

This was relevant, as it was in line with the technological realities globally and in the country.

The conference took place against the backdrop of a challenging landscape compounded by the covid-19 pandemic and emergence of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). With the country facing unprecedented unemployment, it has become imperative that the skills

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The conference was held soon after the Human Resources Development (HRD) Summit, which emerged with very concrete proposals and suggestions on, amongst others, the kind of social compact that must advance Human Resources Development goals.

The Honourable Minister of the Department Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, highlighted and raised the following concerns during his keynote address: •

•

•

Holding of the conference in a manner that is parallel and not properly aligned to the recent HRD Summit.

He indicated that to be concrete, the HRD Summit identified the need to better align the provincial Human Resources development strategies with the national HRD strategic goals.

The NSA also operates in interaction with provincial skills development forums. A key question that you will need to answer is, what is the relationship between the HRD Council and its provincial counterparts and the Skills Development Conference/NSA and the provincial skills development forums?

Surely it can’t be that the HRD Council has its Summit and the NSA convenes its own national conference as separate processes that do not talk to each other.

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Dr Blade Nzimande, the Honourable Minister

• • •

Accelerate economic reforms to unlock investment and growth; Fight crime and corruption; and Improve the capability of the state.

At the end of the two-day conference the following fifteen (15) outcomes were shared with the delegates: 1. Reskill and re-equip the workforce to support quick and agile response to digital skills demands (ERRP Skills Strategy); 2. DHET should develop work placement partnership master plan between colleges and industry in order to address the weaknesses of the CET and TVET system; 3. Collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure the review of ECD curriculum to include digital literacy and skills for industry and the future of work must be developed to ensure successful implementation of digital skills;

Mining Qualification Authority

Mining Qualification Authority

4. Align skills development to the needs of District municipalities through the District Development Model; 5. NSA in conjunction with SETAs should create Digital hubs in community centres, libraries, education and training centres with free access to Wi-Fi for education and learning purposes; 6. A framework should be developed around digitalisation of workplaces as an enabler for People with Disabilities; 7. Refocus the application of the skills levy to include design and implementation of digital ecosystems, underpinned by inclusive technology for use in up skilling and reskilling of vulnerable groups through accessible hubs; 8. Position South Africa as a regional hub by developing a digital transformation roadmap for our skills development system; 9. Invest in Advanced Skills Programmes and transition to QCTO occupational certificates, thus replacing legacy qualifications; 10. Review curricula and methodologies by adding more modules to pre-vocation learning programme (PLP) to prepare learners for entrepreneurship; 11. Enhance the artisan training and testing systems by simplifying the artisan systems and injecting quality into the full scope of developing an artisan, providing support to independent individuals who are ready for a trade test even if not linked to any SETA, and professionalising the trades to develop a positive image of artisans; 12. Build the requisite skills needed to leverage the green economy to contribute towards the livelihoods of people; 13. Strengthen collaboration of stakeholders in PSET work across economic sectors; 14. NSA to strengthen M&E to support collaboration beyond just signing MOUs but move towards effective implementation with measurable impact; and 15. Future NSA Conference (s) should be broadened to include other role players such as Government Departments responsible for key recommendations made in this conference.

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•

South Africa’s Human Resource Development Strategy towards 2030 speaks of increasing productivity and promoting the human resource development needs to transform our country. How do our skills development initiatives being discussed at this conference contribute to and advance our HRD Strategy towards 2030?

He emphasised that he was, however, very pleased to note that discussions around the issue of the relationship between provincial skills development forums and the district development model (DDM), will be discussed.

He said that the implications of the DDM are that we should work towards producing a skills profile and skills plan for each district in our country.

He further said that we should all know that South Africa requires skills to enable citizens to participate in the new world of work and to support the economic recovery efforts to make the economy more dynamic in tackling inequality, unemployment and poverty in the 21st Century, and in the wake of the negative impact of covid-19.

The National Development Plan (NDP) sets us the following human resource development tasks: • Reduction of income inequality and discrimination substantially by 2030; • The number of SMMEs and the variety of businesses to be expanded; and • Skilled artisans to be produced in increased numbers especially in scarce skills domains.

The Minister emphasised the importance of creating work placement opportunities by all role players especially industry. He also reminded SETAs to make budget available for Economy Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) as part of the Skills Strategy interventions The ERRP has the following objectives: • Create jobs, primarily through aggressive infrastructure investment and mass employment programmes; • Reindustrialise the economy focusing on growing small businesses;

Deputy Minister Mr Buti Manamela offering tokens of appreciation to Dr Charles Nwaila and Dr Thabo Mashongoane

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QUALITY ASSURANCE: REQUIRED IMPLEMENTATION OF OQSF POLICY

The Occupational Qualifications Sub Framework (OQSF) Policy 2021, Notice No. 1463 published in Govt. Gazette No NG QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 45401 of 29 October 2021MisI N Iunderway for implementation.

MQA

The abovementioned policy gives effect to the Ministerial Determination on the three sub-frameworks that comprise the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), Government Gazette Notice No. 1391 published in Govt. Gazette No 44031 of 24 December 2020.

The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) noted that the current published OQSF is implementable with immediate effect, including phasing out of qualifications, and further provides clarity on the implications of the transitional arrangements for pre-2009 qualifications and unit standards, occupational qualifications, and part qualifications which means:

• • •

The learner registration end date for pre-2009 qualifications and unit standards on the OQSF shall be 30 June 2023.

The learner enrolment end date for pre-2009 qualifications and unit standards shall be 30 June 2024.

The learner achievement end date for pre-2009 qualifications and unit standards on the OQSF shall be 30 June 2027.

The old trades are covered by the dates stipulated above as part of pre-2009 qualifications. The accreditation periods for pre-2009 qualifications will also cease in accordance with the Ministerial Determination. This means most if not all pre2009 qualifications accreditation will expire on 30 June 2023 and the teach-out period until 30 June 2027.

All qualifications registered on the NQF must be aligned to the new NQF Level Descriptors by 30 June 2023, to ensure coherence in learning, and enable the allocation of qualifications to levels in order to assess their compatibility and parity of esteem.

Records of learner achievements for qualifications or partqualifications that reach the last date of enrolment and last date of achievement remain valid. Other OQSF qualifications, namely registered Occupational Certificates will be reviewed and re-registered with qualification types (nomenclatures) in accordance with the New Ministerial Determination.

This reviewed policy requires all applications to develop occupational qualifications and part qualifications submitted to QCTO for evaluation, only to be accepted for processing if they comply with the new Ministerial Determination and OQSF policy published in 2021.

Mining Qualification Authority

Mining Qualification Authority

Therefore, the QCTO has requested the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) to process all previously recommended occupational qualifications and part qualifications for registration, utilising the previous OQSF policy provisions. This meant that implementation be delayed till end of January 2022, whilst current occupational qualifications and part qualifications that have been developed and processed are submitted.

Thereafter, all other occupational qualifications will be submitted to be SAQA compliant with the new Ministerial Determination as well as the OQSF policy from 1st February 2022.

MQA OQSF POLICY 2021 ALIGNMENT THROUGH QCTO The reviewed policy requires the MQA through the QCTO to continue with the process of reviewing or developing or aligning occupational qualifications registered on OQSF including quality assurance of skills development providers, work based learning environment and learner certifications.

The MQA has begun the process with the QCTO on SETAs current consultation or on signed SLA reference to Clause 3 on duration of the SLA with consideration of the reviewed OQSF policy. Further system configuration in terms of the roles and responsibilities as mandated and delegated is being given attention.

The priority the for 2022/23 financial year, is to convert the unit standard based skills programmes to QCTO SPs – (Approx.

75 SP’s). During this development, the currently registered QCTO qualifications that do not meet the requirements as per the new OQSF policy (especially on credit value) will also be converted to SPs (e.g. RDO, Raise Bore Operator, Onsetter, scraper winch etc). Further, the already completed assessment tools for affected qualifications may need to be reviewed for re-submission.

The MQA continues with the quality assurance audit for accreditation of skills development providers including associated workplace based quality learning delivery as aligned with occupational qualifications specifications.

The certification process of trades continues to be issued by the QCTO through NAMB, whilst certification for other qualifications and skills programmes are through the MQA on the new certificate templates, including adherence of NLRD uploading as amended.

The electronic information migration for digitisation is under way.

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DIGITAL MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION PLATFORMS ….A DEVELOPING FOCUS FOR THE MQA

MINING QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

The focus of digitally promoting the MQA through various digital marketing and communication platforms, is increasingly becoming a priority of the MQA. Developing the MQA Communication Strategy by incorporating Digital Marketing Tools The MQA Communication Strategy for 2021 to 2025 was approved by the MQA Board following a meeting on 11 November 2021 and ratified on 25 February 2022. The MQA Communication Strategy focused on achieving the goal of strategically positioning the MQA amongst its stakeholders, and to create awareness of the MQA brand. The strategy took into consideration the digital development marketing tools being used the world over. New technologies available now as a result of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) advancements were also considered. In the strategy, various existing and new electronic tools were introduced in line with the advances of digital marketing technologies.

on creating an engaging, interesting and encouraging experience for users. A benchmarking process was also ensured among other similar organisations as well as the sector education and training authorities. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) was another feature that the new website development process included to ensure that the MQA visibility is increased when users search for the site and that search engine rankings improve.

The feedback received from stakeholders so far has been positive. Continuous improvement remains a goal and feedback from stakeholders is encouraged on an ongoing basis.

The New MQA Interactive Website Through feedback from its stakeholders, and stakeholder satisfaction surveys implemented by the MQA, the Customer Service and Communication Team began the process by ensuring that the MQA Communication and Marketing Strategy is developed to include the digital mediums of promoting the organisation to its stakeholders. One of the key requests from stakeholders was greater interactivity. Following a stringent procurement process, the Information Technology and the Customer Service and Communication Units, were hard at work. The new website development process commenced in July 2021, resulting in a new, interactive website that was launched by 30 November 2021. The ‘new look and feel’ website was launched with a focus of, ‘simpler is better.’

It includes many new interactive features that were included, the goal being to ensure that the current and potential website users around the world, obtain a great user experience. User experience design or UX design, is the practice of building a website that focuses

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MQA contact information

Mining Qualification Authority

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MINING QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY MQA

Forums, and the call for Bursary Applications, and Discretionary Grant Funding Windows being some of the best performing posts.

Similarly, on Twitter the MQA attracts around 52% of male followers and 48% of female followers. The majority of the audience (96%) reside in South Africa.

Interest is increasing, and now includes MQA learners on the various projects, neighbours in African countries and other parts of the world participating. The interest of participants is largely around skills development, related programmes or the mining sector. One of the best performing posts on twitter was the appointment of Dr Thabo Mashongoane, formally the CEO of the National Skills Authority, who was appointed as the Chief Operations Officer of the MQA.

Stakeholder feedback form on the MQA’s new website

Increasing presence through Social Media Platforms To complement the digitally updated website, the MQA also ensured that it is more involved in various social media platforms, including its newest inclusion, namely YouTube.

The active social media platforms at the MQA include Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. On Facebook, the MQA observed an average growth of 200 new followers per quarter, while the average audience engagements exceeded 30 000 per quarter. Close to 200 000 users are reached each quarter, with impressions averaging over 500 000. The events hosted by the MQA generate a large amount of interest with posts such as the Annual Consultative Conference, Stakeholder Engagement

Mining Qualification Authority

Mining Qualification Authority

Best performing MQA Twitter post for the period 01 October 2021 to 31 December 2021

The MQA’s Instagram profile has also increased. One of the posts that attracted a following was the then Acting Chief Financial Officer Ms Lebogang Matlala, delivering the MQA’s overall performance for the 2020-2021 financial period at the Annual Consultative Conference Hybrid event, which was hosted on 05 November 2021, at the Parktonian Hotel. The post received the recognition of the best performing post.

Hosting Hybrid Corporate Events The MQA Communication Strategy also included the hosting of hybrid corporate events using video

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conferencing tools. These events adopt a mixture or combination of physical in-person attendance paired with digital elements namely, a virtual online audience. This mode of conferencing is aimed at ensuring an optimal experience tailored to each audience. Following the covid-19 pandemic the MQA, like many organisation’s, migrated from fully in-person events to hybrid events where during the peak of covid-19, virtual events were hosted for purposes of social distancing and for ongoing engagement and interaction with stakeholders.

THE BENEFITS OF HYBRID EVENTS AT THE MQA HAS BEEN: • Continued engagement with stakeholders; • Ongoing information sharing; • The opportunity to simplify information for our stakeholders; • Ongoing networking and socialising, even during social distancing; • The continued process of promoting the brand to our stakeholders; • The opportunity to continuously create a positive image of the MQA to our stakeholders, thus contributing to a positive reputation;

• The concerted effort of ensuring that stakeholders continue to engage and receive information from “the horse’s mouth” as the MQA remained visible at all levels; and • The purposeful desire to continue to host engagement events that include stakeholders, as this makes good business sense for the organisation.

Hybrid events and the technologies that were incorporated as a result of the strict covid-19 lockdown regulations, ensured that ‘Business As Usual’ migrates to ‘Business Unusual.’ This method of engagement has now become the way of work for many organisations, including the MQA. Tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Webinars, amongst others are used.

STAKEHOLDERS HAVE HIGHLIGHTED THAT: • Hybrid events allow them to choose whether to participate in-person or virtually.

• They enjoy the autonomy and flexibility this method of engagement provides.

• They enjoy the delegate location independence where they can join events from their home study, room inside, outdoors, or elsewhere.

Best performing MQA Instagram post for the period 01 October to 31 December 2021

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• Hybrid events allowed them to multi-task. One can link in to listen, while also attending to other matters MINING QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY on their desks.

• They are able to participate at an event as a delegate or speaker, without the consideration of logistics such as travel and accommodation.

MQA

Introducing New Communication Technologies and Managing the Change

COVID-19 took the world by surprise. The normal processes of managing change, particularly technology changes were not negotiated, but imposed. Change in itself is never easy, this imposed change meant that the MQA had to sink or swim. The MQA swam with the current, ensuring that communication continues with its stakeholders.

SOME OF THE KEY DECISIONS THE MQA TOOK DURING COVID-19 WERE: The Setting of Clear Goals of Engagement with its Stakeholders These goals were communicated to the MQA staff and stakeholders alike. Many messages followed that provided clarity on the situation at hand. The correctness of information was ensured. Every measure was taken to provide concise information based on information received. MQA staff were implored to be courteous towards stakeholders, being aware that many stakeholders were struggling with the sudden unforeseen changes and lockdown regulations. The information provided was concrete in its approach.

Due consideration was ensured, and the completeness of messages was critical to ensure there was no ambiguity in terms of the goals the MQA had set out to ensure ongoing communication and engagement with stakeholders.

A COVID-19 Task Team was established

The MQA established a Covid-19 task team. The task

Mining Qualification Authority

Mining Qualification Authority

team ensured that all staff and stakeholders were kept informed. The need to adapt to the new engagement communication technologies formed part of the COVID-19 Task Team Communication Strategy. The continued productivity and the maintenance of the stakeholder experience was communicated. The COVID-19 Task Team allowed MQA staff to adapt to the changing situations, learn from others that are also experiencing the change, and ensure that quick adjustments as the various lockdown levels and the Department of Health regulations were announced.

Ensuring continuous improvement using digital technology tools Once the COVID-19 Task Team Communication Strategy was adopted, and the various means of communication, such as virtual one-on-one’s and team interactions took place. Continued improvement was ensured, which later culminated in hybrid events that were hosted by the MQA. The MQA hosted its first ever virtual event during its Annual Consultative Conference and Stakeholder Engagement Forum. The MQA Staff Performance Feedback Meetings also became a reassuring platform for MQA staff. The MQA later migrated to hybrid events during 2021. This was in line with the government regulations at the time.

The desire of the MQA to continuously improve using the latest technologies to engage with its stakeholders, kept the organisation in good standing with its stakeholders.

Conclusion Communication technologies continue to change; however, the MQA is committed through its 2021 to 2025 Communication Strategy, to continuously improve and adopt current and new digital technologies for ongoing professional interactions with its stakeholders and to market its brand, in line with the developments of the fourth industrial revolution.

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CAREER GUIDANCE FOR FUTURE LEARNER SUCCESS

MINING QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

The MQA participated in the Mining Career Exhibition that took place in Vhembe Limpopo on the 14th March 2022. The event focused on engineering education and a career exhibition programme for high school learners from grades 8 to 12.

careers in mining obtained much needed information to ensure that they have all the insight to make a wellinformed decision with regards to their future.

The event targeting three hundred and fifty (350) grade 9-12 learners. This effort by the DHET contributes towards the realisation of a knowledge sharing exercise about various career opportunities within the mining and energy sectors as well as to encourage learners to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). It also offers innovative ideas where learners can experience dynamic learning that contributes to building South Africa’s science, engineering and technology capacity. This event was a combined effort from different stakeholders in partnership with DMRE to showcase the full range of career opportunities available in the engineering industry as well as to create awareness on the diversity of engineering careers.

Students from different schools had the opportunity to visit the exhibition stand to obtain career information from the MQA. Students who were considering pursuing

The MQA exhibition ready to receive learner enquires

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Learners at the career guidance event in Vhembe

Mr Obed Nkoane and Ms Tebatso Makofane from the MQA Limpopo Regional office

Mining Qualification Authority

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SOUTH AFRICAN FLAG IS FLOWN HIGH AT THE WORLDSKILLS AFRICA COMPETITION

The Swakopmund 2022 WorldSkills Africa Competition (WSAC) was successfully Dome’ M I N I N G Q Uhosted A L I F I C A T I O N Sat A U T H‘The ORITY complex in Swakopmund, Namibia from 28 March 2022 to 02 April 2022.

MQA

The WorldSkills South Africa Team competed in fourteen (14) skills at the competition, covering among others, the disciplines of Construction and Building Technology; Manufacturing and Engineering Technology; Information and Communications; Social and Personal Services; Creative Arts and Fashion; and Transportation and Logistics.

The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) congratulates the team that represented South Africa after they scooped eight medals out of the sixteen (16) categories in the competition. The results were announced at the WorldSkills Africa Competition (WSAC) closing ceremony on the night of 02 April 2022, following a week long and successful competition. South Africa walked away with half the number of medals, which is a great achievement based on the nine African contries that participated.

This historic highlight is symbolic of the great effort that the South African government continues to invest in skills development generally.

WSI was established in 1950 as a non-profit organisation, with the mission to promote and facilitate, through cooperation and worldwide awareness, the essential contribution that skills and competitive standards make to the achievement of economic success.

WSI Vice President, Mr San-Quei Lin said WorldSkills recognises four (4) major regions: Europe, Asia, America and Africa. He said while the other three regions already have regional organisations, Africa does not, and it is WorldSkills’s intention, working with the African Union to ensure that Africa does have its regional organisation soon. “Every region has its own growth prospects and priorities. It is therefore very important that Africa also has its own WorldSkills regional organisation so that the activities are not only limited to one event which is the WorldSkills Africa competition. He further elaborated that the regional organisation will be able to go the extra mile towards promoting and focusing on the training of the African youth on a huge scale, and to drive skills development in the entire continent as it makes collaboration and resources easily accessible between countries.

WorldSkills President, Mr Chris Humphries said that one of the most common practices in the world is that individual countries in Europe would invite some country members to send their competitors to be part

The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela has called upon the Sector Education and Training Authorities and other key stakeholders to continue being part of the journey that seeks to ensure that the South African government reaches its target of producing 30 000 quality artisans by 2030.

He also encouraged competitors to be champions and advocates of the work government is doing to encourage their peers to take up artisanal opportunities’ that the government is availing through TVET Colleges.

South Africa is one of 85 countries affiliated to World Skills International (WSI) and has been a member since 1990, making it the first African country to be a member of WorldSkills International.

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of their national competition. A practice the Deputy Minister committed WorldSkills South Africa will need to explore soon, to invite countries in the South African Development Community (SADC) region.

WorldSkills South Africa aims to host its national competition in June 2022 in preparation for the WorldSkills International Competition taking place in China, Shanghai in October later this year.

He said, “the objectives of the Africa conglomeration align well with our continental agenda 2063 which is Africa’s blueprint for sustainable and inclusive growth and development through which we envision as African nations, to build an integrated prosperous and peaceful continent. It is a vision founded on the development of Africa’s people as its most important resource and one which recognises the transformation potential of Technical and Vocational Education and Training.”

During his closing keynote address Namibia’s Deputy President, Dr Nangolo Mbumba appreciated the work WorldSkills is doing in partnership with the African Union.

The next host for the third WorldSkills Africa Competition will be decided and announced at the 2022 WorldSkills International Competition.

Team South Africa won medals in the following categories: CATEGORY

COMPETITOR

INSTITUTION

1.

Automotive Technology Gold

MEDAL

Ceajay Bosman

Port Elizabeth TVET College

2.

Bricklaying

Gold

Lungelwe Mtetwa

Coastal TVET College

3.

Fashion Technology

Gold

Thulubheke Ncanana

Durban University of Technology

4.

Plumbing

Gold

Siphesihle Masina

Gert Sibande TVET College

5.

Hairdressing

Gold

Hilke Minnie

College of Cape Town / Hugo The Chair Company

6.

Mechatronics

Silver

Boesman Mpete and Gift Morokolo

Tshwane University of Technology

7.

Cooking

Silver

Daivy Ramphele

Waterberg TVET College

8.

Web Technologies

Bronze

Azanda Zama

Institute Turmeric Digital

Team SA was also awarded Certificates of Participation in Water Technology, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. There were no winners in these categories due to the limited number of competitors.

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INTRODUCING THE NEW MQA BOARD MEMBERS

The Honourable Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Blade Nzimande, in line with the MQA’s Constitution, appointed the new MQAM IBoard whose term came into effect on 01 April 2021, and will expire on 31 March 2025.

NING QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY The composition of the new MQA Board has been re-constituted to consist of the following representatives: MQA

Mr David Msiza Department of Mineral Resources and Energy

CHAIRPERSON

CHAIRPERSON

Mr Mthokozisi Zondi

STATE

EMPLOYERS

LABOUR

Department of Mineral Resources and Energy

Ms Breggie Elizabeth Howes

Ms Maboswaneng Malaza

Mr Reuben Gibb Motlou

Ms Sanelisiwe Dlamini-Mthethwa

Ms Sheridan Rogers

Impala Platinum

Harmony

Tharisa Mine

Tronox

Petra Diamonds

Ms Anne Atlee

Mr Frans Stehring

Ms Johanna Janse Van Vuuren

Mr Olehile Kgware

Ms Tshepo Tlhapane

Mr Viwe James

National Union of Mineworkers

United Association of South Africa

Solidarity

National Union of Mineworkers

National Union of Mineworkers

NUMSA

COMMUNITY

Mining Qualification Authority

Dr Kenneth Netshiombo Tshwane University of Technology

Mining Qualification Authority

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NOTES

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NOTES MINING QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY MQA

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