MQA Newsletter 1st Edition 2023/24

MQA News www.mqa.org.za

1ST EDITION 2023/2024

IN THIS ISSUE: MINING SECTOR CENTRES OF SPECIALISATION LAUNCH THE DHESI’S OFFICIAL HANDOVER OF AN OFF-GRID COMPUTER AND MEDIA LIBRARY IN APEL

CONTENTS 1 2 4

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK MINING SECTOR CENTRES OF SPECIALISATION LAUNCH INAUGURAL SETA COO FORUM LAUNCH THE DHESI’s OFFICIAL HANDOVER OF AN OFF-GRID COMPUTER AND MEDIA LIBRARY IN APEL THE MQA’S COMMITMENT TO BUILD RURAL COMMUNITIES YOUTH MONTH CELEBRATIONS THE MQA EXTENDS SKILLS DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO DESTITUTE COMMUNITIES MQA BENEFICIARY PROFILE

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

Mining Qualifications Authority Litha Communications (Pty) Ltd Amanda Masilo Baitse Mokiti Vinolia Malatjie

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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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FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK Authority and SETAs, held at Premier Hotel in Midrand on 04 April 2023. The delegates who were in attendance were grateful and approved this initiative by the MQA. The SETA COO Forum will serve a networking platform for all 21 SETAs to focus on several areas related to SETA’s operations related issues, read see the full article on page 4.

In this edition, we also reflect on the invitation received from the Minister of Higher Education Science and Innovation (DHESI), Dr Blade Nzimande, to attend and witness the official handover of the Moloke Primary School’s off-grid computer and media laboratory, in the Ga-Sekhukhune village of Mankotsana in Apel, Limpopo, on 24 March 2023. The MQA is also proud to announce that the Minister was happy with the MQA’s donation of 300 pairs of school shoes to the local needy learners, read more about it on page 5.

Amanda Masilo

Dear Readers In this edition of the MQA News, we reflect on the activities which took place during the first quarter of the 2023-2024 financial year, which has passed like a flash of lightning. We are excited to announce that we managed to achieve the implementation of some of the new projects during that quarter, such as the launch of the Mining and Minerals Sector Centres of Specialisation project and the inaugural SETA COO Forum. The successful launch of the Mining and Minerals Sector Centres of Specialisation project is profiled on the cover page and pages 2-3. The event was hosted on 14 June 2023 at the Tshwane South TVET College, Pretoria campus under the theme ‘’Empowering Artisans for Employability and Sel Employability’’. This was prompted by the MQA’s drive to address the high unemployment rate in South Africa by developing the youth and equipping them with artisanal skills that will render them employable.

The graduates were dressed in MQA-branded personal protective clothing depicting their trades and looked beautiful. Qualified Artisans were celebrated and recognized with awarding them with certificates.

Included in the list of newly implemented projects, we also successfully launched the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) Chief Operations Officer (COO) Forum, in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training, National Skills

Mining Qualifications Authority

Mining Qualifications Authority

As part of discharging our mandate, which includes serving the people of South Africa, the MQA heeded the call from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), when Minister Mr Gwede Mantashe conducted a two school outreach programme at Ga-Nala (Kriel) in Mpumalanga on 12 April 2023. The programmes were part of the oversight visit by the Minister towards realising the meaningful welfare of communities affected by socio-economic challenges facing South Africans. The MQA is proud to contribute to the primary schools, by donating dictionaries, printing paper, and school bags to deserving learners, the full article is on page 6.

This year’s National Youth Day celebrations were held in Bloemfontein, Free State, in the township of Mangaung, at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium from 16 and 17 June 2023. It was hosted by the National Youth Development Agency. We participated in this event by sharing with the youth, valuable careers information related to the mining sector, read more on pages 6-7.

On 19 May 2023, the MQA joined His Excellency, the President of the Republic of South Africa, at his Presidential Imbizo, hosted in the Cape Winelands District in the Western Cape Province, to embark on a campaign to engage with destitute rural communities to highlight skills development opportunities available to them, see full article on page 8.

We also invite you to read more on one of the testimonies received from one of the many MQA Beneficiaries, see page 9.

Lastly, take note of our anonymous fraud reporting details on the back page of this edition, Fraud is a crime, report it!

The MQA remains committed to keeping you, our valued stakeholders informed! Enjoy reading the MQA News.

Amanda Masilo, Editor

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MINING SECTOR CENTRES OF SPECIALISATION LAUNCH

Pictured with the learners are from left to right: MQA Acting COO, Mr Xolisa Njikelana; Acting Senior Manager LP Operations, Ms Freda Moshime; MQA CEO, Dr Thabo Mashongoane; DHET DDG, Mr Zukile Mvalo; MQA Board Member, Ms Anne Atlee; MQA Chairperson, Mr David Msiza; Senior Manager LP Strategic Projects, Ms Zodwa Mashinini; and Senior Manager Mpumalanga Regional Office, Mr Tshepo Tsotetsi.

On 14 June 2023, the Mining Qualifications Authority, in partnership with Tshwane South TVET College, hosted a successful hybrid launch of the Centres of Specialisation (CoS) project in the mining and minerals sector to an appreciative audience.

Approximately two hundred (200) delegates attended the in-person event, including 100 CoS learners and 100 stakeholders. An estimated 200 stakeholders attended the virtual event.

The event commenced with a walkabout of the CoS building, named the Gandhi Mandela and was preceded by a briefing session for dignitaries, comprising MQA Board Chairperson Mr David Msiza, MQA Board Members, CEO Dr Thabo Mashongoane and MQA Executives.

The day’s proceedings were ably guided by programme directors Mr Tshepo Tsotetsi and Ms Zodwa Mashinini from the MQA. The Principal of Tshwane South TVET College, Advocate Joe Chiloane, welcomed the delegates.

this key initiative, which is in line with the goal of the National Development Plan (NDP) and the White Paper for Post-School Education and Training to produce 30 000 artisans a year by 2030.

He added, “It has always been part of our organisation to enhance the MQA’s notable artisan development programme by devising a training pathway that is aimed at endorsing the important role of our artisans and artisanal skills in our immediate communities and ensuring that these skills continue to be globally competitive and relevant.”

He also acknowledged the important role played by employers. “Employers have fully embraced the tenets of the CoS programme,” he said, “and have also demonstrated their commitment towards supporting TVET students in their ongoing quest towards continuous learning by opening their workspaces and availing them to the TVET colleges. Continuous learning and service excellence form part of the MQA’s seven core values.”

Health and safety protocols are integral to all activities of the MQA. For this reason, the Deputy Campus Manager, Mr Lucas de Lange, ensured that stakeholders were inducted on safety issues about the TVET college building.

The MQA CEO, Dr Mashongoane, presented an overview of the MQA’s role in the CoS project and the progress made regarding the project’s implementation.

So far, The MQA has supported 146 learners on the CoS programme, of which 48 have qualified as artisans.

In his welcome address, MQA Board Chairperson Mr Msiza expressed his appreciation to Tshwane TVET College for partnering with the MQA to launch

The purpose of the event included: • Educating stakeholders on the relevance of the DHET’s CoS programme.

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• •

Linking MQA employers to TVET colleges are participating in the CoS Project.

Creating a suitable platform for the MQA and its stakeholders to celebrate, recognise and engage on this CoS initiative in the sector.

The event was hosted under the theme “Empowering Artisans for Employability and Self Employability”; this was prompted by the MQA’s drive to address the high unemployment rate in South Africa by developing the youth and equipping them with artisanal skills that will render them employable. Furthermore, qualified artisans can become entrepreneurs, thus placing them in a position to employ other young people.

The CoS programme is an initiative of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) designed to address the demand for priority trades required to implement the government’s National Development Plan and the National Infrastructure Plan. Furthermore, the project aims to contribute towards building the capacity of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to deliver quality trade qualifications in collaboration with employer partners.

There are thirteen (13) sought-after priority trades for infrastructure programmes, and these include: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Bricklayer Carpenter and Joiner Millwright Welder Fitter and Turner Mechanical Fitter Automotive (petrol) Mechanic Diesel Mechanic Rigger Pipe Fitter Electrician Plumber Boilermaker

Amongst the artisan graduates that attended, two learners from Seriti Mine and Tharisa Mine, respectively, had an opportunity to address the audience and spoke at length about their journey to qualify as artisans through the CoS programme, including the highlights and challenges they experienced. They spoke passionately about the positive outcomes they encountered by participating in the CoS programme and the difference this has made in their lives. The event was also a suitable occasion for the graduates to propose areas of improvement regarding the CoS programme to both the MQA and the DHET representatives.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr Zukile Mvalo, the DHET Deputy Director General Skills Development, who mainly focused on launching the Centres of Specialisation (CoS) partnerships in the mining and minerals sector.

A panel discussion was also held and was facilitated by Mr Xolisa Njikelana, the MQA’s Acting Chief Operating Officer, who was appointed on 01 June 2023. The panel comprised Dr Levy Baloyi on behalf of Mopani TVET College Principal; Mr Mustak Ally on behalf of the QCTO; Mr Philemon Rasetlola from Tharisa Mine, who represented the employers; Ms Anne Atlee from the National Union of Mineworkers; and two successfully trade tested learners, Ms Tshomarelo Shopane and Mr Tumelo Magano.

Following an exciting photo session with the graduating artisans, a pledge was signed by various stakeholders that included the MQA CEO, the DHET Deputy Director Generals (DDG), host employer representatives, organised labour representatives, and host TVET college representatives.

The development of the priority trades is coordinated through the Quality Council for Trades and Occupation (QCTO) for trade qualifications.

In the country, there are currently twenty-six (26) Centres of Specialisations, these have been developed and entrusted to ensure they can implement the dual system apprenticeships.

The CoS programme is a planned and controlled initiative that will be expanded to other colleges in the forthcoming years and encompass other trades.

This programme’s success depends on how well the partnership arrangements can be rebuilt between the employers and the colleges.

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The MQA has registered 146 artisan learners on the CoS programme, with 48 learners completing their training.

Mining Qualifications Authority

The 93 CoS graduates who attended the event looked proud in their MQA-branded personal protective clothing depicting their trades. They were also awarded with certificates of recognition.

Agile Creative Entertainment Group entertained the audience with live music and an industrial theatre skit highlighting and promoting the importance of artisan trades while profiling the invaluable role played

by SETAs and TVET colleges in producing quality artisans.

Ms Masego Tlhapane, MQA Board Member, in her closing remarks, offered words of gratitude to all the stakeholders and graduates for ensuring the successful launch of the CoS in the Mining and Minerals Sector project.

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INAUGURAL SETA COO FORUM LAUNCH

A photo opportunity for all the stakeholders with the MQA CEO, Dr Thabo Mashongoane in the middle.

The Mining Qualifications Authority, in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training, National Skills Authority and Sector Education and Training Authorities, successfully launched the COO Forum held at Premier Hotel in Midrand on 04 April 2023.

The event was hosted by the MQA’s Acting Chief Operating Officer, *Ms Bridgette Mathebula, who extended an invitation to SETA COOs and other representatives from various government departments.

Furthermore, members resolved that the COO Forum will serve as a networking platform for COOs, benchmarking/sharing best practices, creating mutually beneficial partnerships and collaborations, identifying key common challenges and solutions and responding to national priorities.

A task team was nominated to draft the Terms of Reference to be circulated to all SETAs for input before the May meeting.

The forum was a huge success, as it was also graced by the presence of the NSA and the DHET, who provided messages of support.

The event was aimed at establishing a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) COO Forum, which will serve as a networking platform for all 21 SETAs to focus on but not limited to the following areas: • Benchmarking and sharing best practices.

• Ensuring policies that drive skills development programmes.

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• Identifying key common challenges and solutions and responding to National Priorities.

• Establishing mutually beneficial partnerships and collaborations.

The DHET Director, Ms Nomsa Gumbi, in her message of support, highlighted the department’s commitment to providing support to SETA COOs in their newly established initiative, the SETA COO Forum, and supports the formation of the forum to allow all SETA COOs to function and carry out the SETA mandate as stipulated in the Skills Development Act. Ms Gumbi offered assurance in persuading the department to lead this forum.

Ms Olwethu Nyewe, NSA Director, also lent support to the forum, highlighting how the platform will enhance collaborative partnerships and enable SETAs to adopt best practice models that can be replicated throughout the system, resulting in solutions to solve various issues that SETAs are faced with.

Lastly, the members applauded the MQA for organising this initiative. They suggested that the forum should take best practices from the existing two SETA forums, namely the CEO and COO Forums, and add a few relevant elements to operations.

The members also considered the formation of subcommittees within the forum, focusing on issues such as data, which can further be categorised into several sub-committees, such as Planning and Reporting, Quality Assurance Issues, and Research and Audit Issues. * Ms Mathebula’s tenure as Acting Chief Operating Officer ended on 31 May 2023.

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THE DHESI’s OFFICIAL HANDOVER OF OFF-THE-GRID COMPUTER AND MEDIA LIBRARY IN APEL sharing information on various learning programmes and career-changing initiatives. The MQA was exhibiting as part of the thirty-six (36) institutions invited to the event, including other SETAs, higher education institutions, science agencies, TVET and CET colleges.

During his speech as he addressed the gathered dignitaries, learners, and educators, Minister Nzimande said, “Taking further from a special ministerial project in KwaZulu-Natal involving four schools that were equipped for their learners to learn coding in 2021, today I will be handing over this state-of-the-art off- the grid computer centre here at Moloke Primary School in the Sekhukhune District of Limpopo.”

The MQA Free State Senior Regional Manager Ms Bridgette Mathebula (left), Chairperson of the Board (middle) Mr David Msiza and the CEO, Dr Thabo Mashongoane (right) encouraging the young learners to use the computer center effectively.

On 24 March 2023, the MQA accompanied the Minister of Higher Education Science and Innovation (DHESI), Dr Blade Nzimande, to witness the official handover of the Moloke Primary School’s off-grid computer and media laboratory in the Ga-Sekhukhune village of Mankotsana in Apel, Limpopo.

This initiative by the DHESI to launch a state-of-theart computer lab is aimed at presenting an opportunity to young learners, especially those residing in rural communities, to master the basics of science, technology, and innovation and progress towards achieving careers within the scientific fields.

The profile of the event was elevated due to the attendance by dignitaries that included Chairpersons of SETAs, the SETA CEO, principals of TVET colleges, representatives from the DHESI, as well as the Provincial Director General of the Limpopo province, Mr Nape Nchabeleng.

As part of the handover, the DHESI Minister held an imbizo whereby the MQA could exhibit to the learners and their educators by showcasing its services and

Mining Qualifications Authority

Mining Qualifications Authority

He added, “This project is led by myself in the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Innovation and Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies of paramount importance is the exposure of rural school learners to state-of-the-art technologies that place them in a good position to access and use modern technologies and new forms of knowledge.”

The Minister further referred to strengthening partnerships between the SETAs and TVET colleges.

He said, “Our TVET colleges are required to scale up occupational programmes, which also require additional funding through concrete and sustainable partnerships with various stakeholders, including our SETAs. We are strategically repositioning our SETAs to strongly support our TVET colleges because it is important for colleges to become more embedded in industry and ensure that their curriculum is aligned to the pillars of what drives the economy of any area in which they are located.”

In conclusion, Dr Nzimande thanked the MQA for its donation of 300 pairs of school shoes to the needy learners; the EDTP-SETA, who donated 300 school bags, pencil cases and rulers; and the FP&M SETA, who also donated 300 pairs of shoes.

“All of these will go a long way to change the lives of the learners at this school and all the other schools that have been identified in this district,” he said.

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THE MQA’S COMMITTMENT TO BUILD RURAL COMMUNITIES

A photo opportunity with representatives from various organisations including the MQA’s CEO Dr Mashongoane

The MQA was proud to be one of the stakeholders who contributed to the school by donating dictionaries, printing paper, and school bags to deserving learners. Learners in rural communities frequently rely on makeshift rucksacks to carry their school materials. Therefore, this donation will assist in making their lives easier.

The MQA heeded the call from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) when Minister Mr Gwede Mantashe conducted a two school outreach programme at Ga-Nala (Kriel) in Mpumalanga on 12 April 2023.

The programmes were part of the oversight visit by the Minister towards realising the meaningful welfare of communities affected by socio-economic challenges facing South Africans.

Other stakeholders included the DMRE, Mintek, the Council for Geoscience, and the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA). Seriti also made the event a success by donating other school-related collateral.

The oversight visit commenced at Impilo Primary School, a farm school established in 1962. The school is classified as a quintile level one (1) category, a group of schools in each province catering to the poorest 20% of schools.

During the latter part of the morning, the DMRE hosted a career exhibition event at Kriel High School in Ga-Nala.

The exhibition targeted approximately three hundred high school learners in grades 10 to 12.

Impilo Primary School has 135 learners from grade R to seven (7). Plans for the school include a merger with another primary school in the area, Springbok Colliery, which has 125 learners, leading to 260 learners.

Accordingly, the MQA was eager to participate in this event and speak to the learners by inviting them to glimpse the dynamic and compelling mining and minerals sector.

YOUTH MONTH CELEBRATIONS The festivities for this year’s Youth Day event saw the MQA travelling to the Free State to attend the Opportunities Expo event on 16 and 17 June 2023 hosted by the National Youth Development Agency at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Mangaung, Bloemfontein.

This year marked the 47th anniversary of the Soweto uprising of 1976, where an estimated 20 000 learners marched peacefully to demonstrate against the previous government’s policy in 1974,

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which introduced Afrikaans as a compulsory medium of instruction in schools alongside English.

The Opportunities Expo event was led by the Honourable Deputy President of South Africa, Mr Paul Mashatile, whom the Minister accompanied in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma; the Acting Free State Premier, Mr Moses Makume; and the Executive Chairperson of the NYDA, Ms Asanda Luwaca.

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Dr Dlamini-Zuma handing netball kits to deserving schools to celebrate South Africa’s hosting of the 2023 Netball World Cup

Hosted under the theme, “Accelerating Youth Economic Emancipation for a Sustainable Future”, the Opportunities Expo offered educational, financial and mentorship opportunities accessible to the youth.

The 2023 Youth Day event was a hive of activity as high school learners, unemployed job seekers, and other community members filled the stadium and converged at the exhibiting stalls to learn more about available career opportunities from various organisations, including the MQA. In his keynote address, Deputy President Mashatile honoured the memory of the youth who participated in the 1976 Soweto uprisings. He said, “We stand on the shoulders of giants. Hence, without fear or favour, we remain grateful to the youth of 1976 for their contribution to our nation’s social and political transformation.”

He added, “In honour of that generation, we have developed a system conducive to learning, and as a result, many students can now choose the career of their choice. Young people now have the prospect of going to higher education training institutions, which are also supported by the state. Moreover, the youth of 1976 fought for their political freedom; now, we must fight for economic freedom; thus, the theme for this year is ‘Accelerating Youth Economic Emancipation for a Sustainable Future.’”

Deputy President Mr Mashatile also highlighted that the NYDA would continue to offer financial and nonfinancial assistance to young individuals who aspire to be business owners. He indicated that 35,000 young people had already received non-monetary support from the Department of Small Business and the NYDA, with approximately 5,000 young people

Mining Qualifications Authority

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receiving monetary backing to establish and grow their businesses.

Ms Luwaca, addressing the captivated youth and stakeholders, indicated that the NYDA aimed to create more employment opportunities for the youth and was also committed to funding young individuals who aspire to be business owners and possibly future employers.

She said, “It’s crucial to consider creating an environment that will allow a work-aligned composure and a wellarranged social structure for the young individuals of South Africa.”

She further added that more efforts would be required from the Presidential Youth Intervention to support the youth’s active participation in the country’s economy, and she reiterated the significance of this initiative and expressed her wish to see its funding continue beyond 2024.

Also present at the event to support the youth-focused initiatives was Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu, who walked amongst the delegates and engaged with several grant recipients.

Ms Zulu stated that to help attract more young people into the economy, the government is continuously developing various youth empowerment programmes through the Presidential Employment Intervention, and these include formal education and training, learnerships and internships, as well as support for young people to take on their challenges and win.

The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development also donated R10 million to sponsor youth farmers in the province. Also, it embarked on a journey to deliver tractors, livestock, feed and tunnels.

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THE MQA EXTENDS SKILLS DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO DESTITUTE COMMUNITIES The MQA joined His Excellency, the President of the Republic of South Africa, to embark on a campaign to engage with destitute rural communities to highlight skills development opportunities available to them.

The events were themed “Leave No One Behind”, aligning with the MQA’s goal of ensuring that all young people are included in some programmes.

Duma Municipality, Uthukela District on 30 June 2023.

This area, on the outskirts of Alfred Duma Municipality was difficult to access, driving close to 70 kilometres on gravel roads. Even though there is one well-built school along the road, learners could be seen in the early hours of the morning walking and hiking to get to school.

The first imbizo attended was in the Cape Winelands District in the Western Cape Province on 19 May 2023.

The event was held at the Dal Josaphat Athletics Stadium in Paarl with the support of the Drakenstein Local Municipality. The event brought to the fore the abject poverty amongst the community.

The poverty in the area is palpable, with mostly old people attending the career guidance exhibitions and President’s imbizo with the aim of seeking something to eat and to obtain information for their young grandchildren, whom some communicated that they relied on to obtain education and work opportunities to help them get out of the poverty and deprivation they were exposed to.

The community, led by community group leaders and some youth groups, had the opportunity to engage with the President on the challenging conditions preventing young people from achieving education and personal success.

The President was accompanied by various Ministers, including Minister Ebrahim Patel, COGTA Minister Ms Thembi Nkadibeng, Minister Bheki Cele, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Minister of Employment and Labour, Mr Thulas Nxesi, Deputy Ministers, Premier of the Western Cape Mr Alan Winde, Executive Mayor Cape Winelands Ald. (Dr) Elna von Schlicht, Western Cape MEC for local government, Mr Anton Bredel, several Director Generals, Deputy Director Generals (DDG) including DDG DHET, Mr ZC Mvalo, and various government officials.

The MQA was represented by the CEO Dr Thabo Mashongoane, EMCS Mr Mashudu Mavhungu and AEMSR Ms Merle Clark. Who attended and were also visible at the career exhibitions in partnership with various government departments, other SETAs, educational institutions and communities.

The event was followed by the Presidential Youth Career Expo and Job Summit held in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality on 16-17 June 2023, organised by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in Partnership with the DHET Mangaung, Free State.

Despite having mining activity present, the Free State is one of the provinces with limited participation in skills development. Once again, the MQA exhibited at the event.

The KwaZulu Natal Presidential Imbizo was held at the Oqungwini Sports Field, Kwa Inkosi Sithole, Alfred

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The President delivered his speech and was accompanied by several Ministers, including the Minister of Electricity, Mr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who walked around reassuring communities and exhibitors present that all efforts were in place to improve the energy crisis that the country is facing. The Deputy Director General of the DHET, Dr Nkosinathi Sishi, engaged with the MQA CEO, Dr Thabo Mashongoane, re-emphasising the need for skills development interventions in these remote communities. He proposed further partnership engagements to investigate ways to improve the lives of communities through necessary skills.

The lack of potential employers in the area, motivated most of the stakeholders to unite in seeking creative ways to support such communities. The MQA was also exhibited at the event.

On 14 July 2023, the President visited the Sekhukhune District Municipality in Limpopo. At this leg of the Presidential Imbizo, the President emphasised the need for communities to partner with mine houses to ensure that communities receive much-needed skills to transform the communities.

The MQA has committed to extend its programmes to disadvantaged communities and aligning its allocations by adopting the District Development Model (DDM) to ensure all communities participate.

The MQA also intends to partner with training providers to ensure that its programmes are delivered across all parts of South Africa. Participation in the Presidential Imbizos creates great opportunities for the MQA to understand issues raised by communities across provinces.

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MQA BENEFICIARY PROFILE 5. What benefits have you gained as an MQA beneficiary?

Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering

I would say that I achieved much personal growth; I also gained invaluable knowledge, education, and training, which enabled me to achieve my qualification.

6. What type of challenges did you encounter before the MQA’s assistance?

Ishmael Sivuyile Skali Programme Manager for NATED Programmes, College of Cape Town

MQA Project: MQA Bursary Scheme

1. Briefly describe your personal and educational background I am a qualified teacher by profession and a lifelong learner. My inspiration has always been the engineering field. My qualifications include a Bachelor of Education (BEd) Honours degree from Walter Sisulu University and a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree in electrical engineering from Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).

I was born in the rural village of Xabane in Tsolo, situated in the Eastern Cape province. To be able to teach in the same town that I grew up in, allowing students to dream big while also dreaming big about my career, makes me feel like I’m building my community.

I also enjoy embracing diversity and interacting with people at different levels with different needs.

2. What does your occupation involve?

I am the Programme Manager for NATED (National Technical Diploma) Programmes at the College of Cape Town’s Pinelands Campus, which specialises in electrical engineering. My duties include guiding students on career choices and careers they can follow in electrical engineering.

I also mentor students who wish to become artisans and advise them on achieving a diploma in Electrical Engineering. My other duties include recruiting students and finding ways to ensure they receive funding.

3. What inspired your choice of career?

Teaching, training, and guiding people has always been my passion.

4. How has MQA assisted you in your career development?

I was funded by the MQA to obtain my BTech in electrical engineering at CPUT. Mining Qualifications Authority

Mining Qualifications Authority

Back in 2018, the BTech qualification was being phased out and it was the final intake. Financially, I could not afford to enrol for this qualification. I had to register without any money, and while I was in the process of applying for a study loan, the MQA sent me a letter to congratulate me as my application had been approved to be funded for my BTech qualification.

7. How would you encourage someone who would like to follow in your footsteps?

Never give up. Be willing to take risks to secure your future. Education must always be a priority in everything that you do. Always ask for assistance when the need arises. And always consider your career interest and research information related to your career choice.

8. What would you say is your biggest achievement so far?

Achieving my BTech qualification and working at a training institution as a Programme Manager.

9. How far would you want to further your career?

I would like to enrol for a Master’s degree and become a facilitator as well.

10. How do you think your career achievement will contribute to the mining and minerals sector?

I currently work at a TVET college, which is also a training centre. This benefits the mining and minerals sector as I ensure that I train the students to achieve their N4 to N6 qualification, which will result in them obtaining a diploma in Electrical Engineering. Students can also do trade tests and become artisans, which is a valuable skill the sector is constantly searching for.

11. What would be your message to young aspiring people who would one day wish to follow in your footsteps?

Identify what you are good at and search for careers related to your interests. Learn to acquire information.

Acknowledge those who help you on your way up and associate yourself with those who inspire you in your career choice. @MQA_SA

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FRAUD

IS A CRIME REPORT IT! ANONYMOUSLY USING ANY OF THESE CHANNELS:

Toll free number: 080 131 3557 Toll free facsimile: 086 726 1681 Call back (please call me): 072 595 9139 Email: mqa@thehotline.co.za Website:www.thehotline.co.za Mail: P O Box 10512 Centurion, 0046 APP download www.thehotlineapp.co.za