CELEBRATING AET AMIDST 4IR - INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY

International Literacy Day (ILD) is an annual event celebrated globally on 08 September. The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA), in partnership with Royal Bafokeng Platinum Mine and Harmony Gold Mine hosted this flagship event on Saturday, 10 September 2022 at the Waterkloof Combined School in Rustenburg. The event’s theme was ‘’Celebrating AET amidst 4IR”.

The celebrations held were off to a good start, with the audiences arriving from the various provinces in a jovial and celebratory mood as they sang, ready for the activities of the day. The event was hosted in honour of the learners and achievers that participated in the Adult Education and Training, (AET) learning programme. The day presents an opportunity to honour and celebrate the invaluable importance of literacy amongst communities, societies, and individuals. Countless activities raise awareness about the significance of literacy needs within the global community.

The objectives of the event are important for the MQA, mining houses and organised labour within the sector. The event encourages new entrants into the AET learning programme; to celebrate learners currently on AET programmes and learners who have completed their AET training.

The programme director invited for the day was one of South Africa’s well-known comedians Mpho Popps. In his fashionable humorous nature, he opened the day’s proceedings by having the stakeholders in stitches as he made jokes, contributing to a fun-filled and joyous event that was intended. He then introduced the guests that included members of the Department of Higher Education, Training Authority (DHET), NSA, the MQA Board, Executives and staff members present, and the Executives and staff from Royal Bafokeng and Harmony Gold. The soulful sounds of The Soil Acapella Music Band mesmerised the audience.

Dr Thabo Mashongoane, the then MQA Acting Chief Executive Officer (ACEO), delivered an informative address on the status of AET within the mining and minerals sector.

The Chief Executive Officer of Project Literacy, Ms Lungile Moleko, shared the importance of implementing 4IR in AET within the private and public sector, and Mr Oupa Mothibi, the HRD Manager from Royal Bafokeng Platinum Mine, addressed the audience on technological advances the company is already embarking on. In keeping with the event’s theme of “Celebrating AET Amidst 4IR”, Ms Thembisa Futshane, the DHET Deputy Director General Community, Education and Training (CET), gave an insightful address on the CET landscape in the country. The keynote address was delivered by Mr Zamokwakhe Khuzwayo on behalf of the DHET Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande and was well received by the delegates. The day’s proceedings were wrapped up by the MQA Board member, Dr Kenneth Netshiombo, who thanked all valued stakeholders and guests. He acknowledged the organising team for a well-planned and executed event.

The MQA would like to thank all the mining companies that sponsored the event, including Royal Bafokeng Platinum Mine, Harmony Gold Mine, AET learners and other stakeholders.