RECOGNISING THE “BIG FIVE,’’ COS-QUALIFIED ARTISANS

The MQA was invited to attend the Mopani Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College Artisan Recognition Ceremony open day, and to participate in the formal unveiling of the Phalaborwa Campus administration building, an event that was held at the Mopani TVET College on 05 August 2022.

The event’s highlight was the recognition of the five Centres of Specialisation (COS) qualified artisans, funded by the MQA, at a dinner hosted by Dr Levy Baloyi, Mopani TVET College principal, on 04 August 2023. The five learners were recognised for being the first COSqualified artisans and were affectionately given the name the ‘’Big Five’’, for their achievement of being the first five COS-qualified artisans in SA. The artisans’ host employer was Palabora Mining Company. The MQA CEO, Dr Thabo Mashongoane, was amongst the stakeholders who offered a message of support to the qualified artisans. In his address, he encouraged the newly qualified artisans to aspire to open their businesses, as the skills they have been equipped with enabled them to do so.

The Centres of Specialisation programme is a DHET initiative designed to meet two objectives simultaneously. Firstly, to address the demand for priority trades needed for implementing the government’s National Development Plan as well as the and National Infrastructure Plan secondly, to contribute towards building the capacity of its public TVET College system to deliver trade qualifications with employer partners. This programme entails a dual system apprenticeship system that combines technical education at a TVET College, authentic work experience in a single integrated learning programme and improved capacity of public TVET Colleges to train in skills in-demand by industry, with employers in the drivers’ seat.

Amongst other stakeholders in the skills development fraternity who attended the event was the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Deputy Director General for the TVET branch, Mr Sam Zungu. The DDG Mr Zungu officially unveiled and opened the administration building and praised the hundred and thirty-eight

(138) artisans whom the DHET recognised for completing their trade qualifications. DDG Zungu highlighted the fact that when he arrived at the venue, he was astonished by the artisans wearing overalls, contrary to the normal practice of wearing graduation gowns. To him, that indicated one thing: hands-on individuals who were ready to get to work. He also expressed his gratitude to the electricians and light-heartedly stated that they could be instrumental in finding solutions to the electricity problems at Eskom and help to combat the loadshedding challenge faced by the country.

Dr Levy Baloyi, the Mopani TVET College principal, presented the qualified artisans with toolboxes. The symbolism of handing the artisans the toolboxes indicated his wish to see the artisans getting a job and not suffering due to not possessing the relevant tools to do the job. He indicated that the tools provided would assist them to create their jobs and to identify opportunities to start their businesses. He pleaded with the private sector and government entities to create opportunities for students from TVET colleges. On the same day, the college hosted its open day, which saw thousands of high school learners and out-of-school youth gracing the event, where they were given career guidance information, financial aid discussions, and application and registration dates at the various institutions of learning.

The deputy director-general for the TVET branch, Mr Sam Zungu and the college council chairperson, Ms Rachel Mantshiu, officially opened the Phalaborwa Campus administration building to great applause and a hopeful audience of good things to come.