EDITOR’S NOTE

In the ever-evolving digitised world of technology, with increasing text-based, real-time forms of communication, communicators worldwide consistently ponder whether the world of print still has a place. Having indulged some of our stakeholders in the sector to pose this question, it is still evident that holding paper in one’s hand is still alive and satisfying. Hence we share our eventful year with you, our stakeholders, in the form of print and, of course, a digitised version for those that enjoy screen time.

The 2022-2023 financial year was exciting and challenging for the MQA. After almost a decade without an appointed CEO, the MQA finally appointed Dr Thabo Mashongoane to take the baton and create a legacy in a sector that is not one for the faint-hearted. Doc, as he is affectionately known took the helm at the MQA, generating the stability that the MQA had longed for. The MQA has welcomed Doc on various platforms. I urge you to get to know our leader by reading his extensive profile on pages 4-7.

Highlighting some of our many engagements with our stakeholders, we saw the sector playing catch up, hosting two Africa Mining Indaba events in Cape Town to make up for the missed period due to the pandemic. The MQA changed tactics from lugging copious amounts of printed materials to promoting their services at these events and introduced QR coding systems for stakeholders to obtain information about the MQA (Read about the event on pages 1214) The Annual Consultative Conference also took a more exciting technological turn creating excitement with a large digital banner being centre stage to visually promote the MQA’s success stories. Positive feedback was received from stakeholders in attendance, where they welcomed the technological advancements the MQA was adopting, including the hybrid events introduced during COVID-19. They indicated that maintaining a hybrid approach allows more opportunities to engage without leaving their offices and travelling long distances. Having the option to attend an event in-person or remotely has created flexibility as there is always an opportunity to be part of engagements that one would ordinarily not be part of, see pages 8-9. Stakeholder engagement sessions were also hosted during November and December 2022 to ensure that stakeholders were kept up to date with developments in skills development. These were conducted in the majority of provinces. This was to ensure that the MQA moved closer to its stakeholders. Stakeholders welcomed the early engagement instead of engagements occurring towards the end of the financial year (See page 21).

The DHET initiated the Centres of Specialisation (COS) programme and launched this groundbreaking programme, acknowledging the “bigfive” TVET colleges identified as centres of specialisation. This programme focuses on ensuring partnerships with TVET colleges making for a more focused approach to trades and occupations. Artisans displayed pride in their chosen career path, as they donned overalls with their trades depicted on their backs. To encourage entrepreneurship and to prevent unemployment, those that excelled in their trades were provided with toolboxes as a gift that would give them a much-deserved head start to run their own businesses (See pages 15-16).

ILD was another programme placed on the map in September 2022 when the MQA celebrated in the North West province in partnership with the Royal Bafokeng Platinum Mine and Harmony Gold Mine to recognise AET learners and their facilitators. The MQA selected the state-of-the-art Waterkloof Combined School in Rustenburg, built to enhance technology in an area that ordinarily would not have access to such opportunities. The school was launched earlier in the year by the Honourable Minister of the Department of Minerals and Energy, Mr Gwede Mantashe. The school is one of the examples of more hands being better than one, and more hands truly make a difference.

Staff at the MQA were also not left out during the year as they participated in the ‘’My World’’ event to focus on organisational and reputational risks that hinder the image of the MQA. The MQA was privileged to welcome the Audit and Risk Chairperson, Mr Phuti Phukubje, who presented the importance of adherence to ethics and corporate governance principles and how this makes or breaks an organisation. The MQA also hosted a celebratory event at the end of the year to recognise employees that have served the organisation well, issuing various categories of long service awards ranging from 5 to 15 years of service. The MQA further ensured staff were healthy when they hosted the wellness day, ensuring that when staff took their well-deserved end-of-year break, they would ensure that health was top of mind.

After many years of the MQA hosting the MQAI-Share system with Deloitte, the organisation migrated to the Solugrowth Information Management System (SIMS). However, any new system or change has many challenges and adjustments. The MQA is working hard to ensure an effective system that will increase interactivity and create more user-friendly processes that stakeholders can enjoy.

Remember to share your experiences with the MQA, as this ensures that we focus on improving our services to you. Enjoy reading and keeping up to date, printed paper in hand or at your computer, to savour the information regarding the many programmes at the MQA that you could be part of in the future. Ms