MQA News Quarter 2

Quarter 2

In this Issue

MQA RECEIVES UNQUALIFIED AUDIT OPINION FROM THE AGSA

PROPELLING ADULT LITERACY IN THE SECTOR THROUGH AET

THE MINERAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY BUDGET VOTE SPEECH

RECOGNISING YOUNG MATHS AND SCIENCE TALENT WITH THE DMRE

Editor: Merle Clark E-mail: editor@mqa.org.za Photography: MQA Communication Team Editorial Team: Amanda Masilo, Baitse Mokiti & Keorapetse Pitso Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) Physical Address: 7 Anerley Road, Parktown, JHB Tel: 011 547 2600 E-mail: info@mqa.org.za Website: www.mqa.org.za Mining Qualification Authority @MQA_SA @MQA_SA Cover Image: The Honourable Minister Dr Blade Nzimande at the MQA Adult Education and Training International Literacy Day event.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

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THE DEPARTMENT OF MINERAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY: 2019 BUDGET VOTE SPEECH

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THE MQA RECEIVES AN UNQUALIFIED AUDIT OPINION FROM THE AGSA

5

THE MQA CELEBRATES WOMENS DAY

5

PROPELLING ADULT LITERACY IN THE SECTOR THROUGH AET

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RECOGNISING YOUNG MATHS AND SCIENCE TALENT WITH THE DMRE

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MQA’S 67 MINUTES FOR MADIBA

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ORGANISED LABOUR CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOP

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CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

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MQA BENEFICIARY

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MQA NEWS • Quarter 2 • 2020

Spring offers opportunities for a fresh new start.

as

We are entering the third quarter of 2019 with great

subjects

optimism following the announcement that the MQA

make them eligible

once again achieved an unqualified audit opinion

to

from the Auditor General of South Africa (see page

in the mining and

5).

mineral

these

are

the

that

will

pursue

careers sector.

The MQA awarded During the quarter, the MQA saw a few success

bursaries to six (6) students who excelled during at

stories such as the allocation of R20 million to fund

the event (see page 7).

bursaries at the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) announced at the 2019 Budget

The MQA celebrated diversity in the workplace

Vote Speech (see page 4).

during Heritage Day on 24 September 2019. Staff members dressed for the occasion as they dazzled

An event that the MQA hosts annually is International

in their traditional attires and shared dances and

Literacy Day. The event was hosted in Welkom

recited clan names. We celebrate and embrace

and was well attended. We were graced with the

cultures and the diversity of traditions and beliefs

presence of the Honourable Minister Dr Blade

of staff members and stakeholders. As we all know,

Nzimande. The Honourable Minister thanked the

July 18 is Nelson Mandela International Day. The

MQA for honouring the annual event in partnership

MQA spent its 67 Minutes offering a simple meal to

with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and

the displaced residents of Melville (see page 9).

the United Association of South Africa (UASA), (see page 6).

The MQA celebrates the success of young people’s achievements. One such lady that was positively

As the MQA, we continue to promote various career

influenced to choose a mining related career, is the

options that are available to high school learners

MQA’s Bursary Scheme beneficiary, Ms Ntshepe

who are not exposed to the opportunities in the

Dezrey Mafologo, a 22 year old final year student in

mining and minerals sector. It is not a secret that

Environmental Health. She is profiled in this edition,

young people generally do not find the mining sector

on pages 10-11. She was swayed into this field

attractive. They still have an archaic view of what

by her late uncle who worked as a Safety, Health,

mining entails. It is our responsibility to change the

Environment and Quality Officer at a local mine. It

current perception that learners have on one of the

is stories such as this one that make our Bursary

largest contributors to the country’s economy.

Scheme a rewarding component of our organisation.

I can’t wait to see strides she will make in the mining

The MQA attended the Learner Focus Week event that

and mineral sector.

was hosted by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) at the Sasol Recreational Club

Enjoy reading this edition. We remain committed

in Secunda, from 1-4 July 2019. The programme,

to keeping all our valued stakeholders informed.

like the MQA career guidance events, aimed to

Stakeholders are encouraged to submit letters and

encourage learners to choose Science, Technology,

success stories to us for publication.

Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) as subjects, Merle Clark Editor

MQA NEWS • Quarter 2 • 2020

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The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr Gwede Mantashe, tabled the Department’s 2019-2020 budget on Thursday, 11 July 2019 in Parliament. The Minister outlined the Department’s priorities for the 2019-2020 financial year.

The Department allocated R20 million to fund bursaries, apprenticeships and internships in the fields of geology, electrical, mechanical, mining and rock engineering as well as artisan training.

The Minister stated that a total of 60 mineral resources projects are in the pipeline for the period of 2018 to 2020.

These are projects in exploration, expansion, new mines

Ms Amanda Masilo, MQA Communications Specialist, with the Honourable Minister of Mineral Energy and Resources (far right) and the MQA Board Chairperson, Mr David Msiza (middle).

and processing plans. He also recognised the growth of junior miners who are significant players in exploration.

The Minister also pledged to resuscitate green field exploration in South Africa in an effort to capture a percentage in the global exploration share.

Delon Van Rheede, Customer Relationship Management Administrator with a stakeholder

The MQA was in attendance with the MQA Board Chairperson Mr David Msiza and Board Member Ms Pat Gamede. The MQA currently supports 1 700 bursars. A total of 840 beneficiaries will receive bursaries in this financial year, adding to those who are currently at universities and TVET colleges.

Stakeholders at the MQA exhibition

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MQA NEWS • Quarter 2 • 2020

The MQA is pleased to have once again received an Unqualified Audit Opinion for the 2018-2019 financial year from the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA). The AGSA concluded that the financial statements of the MQA’s business fairly represents its affairs substantially. Significant improvements were noted in the AGSA’s assessment.

The opinion exemplifies that the MQA has accepted

accounting principles and conducting its business.

statutory

requirements

in

The newly appointed Board continued with the role of overseeing the core functions of the MQA. The Chairperson of the MQA Board, Mr David Msiza extended his appreciation to the MQA staff members who remain the cornerstone of the organisation.

The MQA Celebrates Womens Day

Special roses for special ladies, Ms Lwandisa Mathonsi (left) and Ms Fisiwe Dube (right) enjoying their moment on Women’s Day.

Ms Lebogang Matlala looking dazzling and enjoying herself on Women’s Day. On Friday, 16 August 2019, the Human Resources Unit hosted a MQA Women Empowerment event under the theme “Phenomenal Woman”. The MQA female staff were treated to a full day of fun and activities with Mara Louw as a guest speaker; who shared words of wisdom and spoke about her life journey.

The highlight of the day was a surprise from the MQA male staff who handed beautiful roses to their female colleagues, as a token of appreciation and to recognise their contribution within the organisation.

MQA NEWS • Quarter 2 • 2020

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“Thuma Mina Through AET to the 4th Industrial Revolution” The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in partnership with the United Association of South Africa (UASA) and the Mining Qualification Authority (MQA), celebrated International Literacy Day on Saturday, 14 September 2019 in Welkom, Free State, under the theme, “Thuma Mina Through AET to the 4th Industrial Revolution”.

The objective of the event was to encourage new entrants and learners who are currently in Adult Education and Training (AET) programmes, and those who have successfully completed their AET training to continue their International Literacy Day registration

education.

International Literacy Day is celebrated globally in September to highlight the need for the continuous sustenance of literacy education, especially amongst adult learners.

The MQA ensures great efforts to promote adult learning.

This is a flagship event through which efforts are made to encourage companies to register more learners on Adult Education and Training (AET) programmes, and encourage learners to attend classes.

The Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr Blade Nzimande was in attendance and delivered the keynote address

Achievements in AET programmes are key towards unlocking more possibilities for the workers to improve their education.

The Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr Blade Nzimande, was in attendance and delivered the keynote address. Dr Blade Nzimande thanked the MQA for honouring the event. Also in attendance was the Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng, Honourable Nkosenjani Speelman, the MQA Board Chairperson, Mr David Msiza, and UASA Divisional Manager, Mr Franz Stehring.

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NUM members in attendance

MQA NEWS • Quarter 2 • 2020

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) hosted this year’s Learner Focus Week programme from 1 – 4 July 2019 at the Sasol Recreational Club in Secunda, Mpumalanga. The programme addresses the shortage of technical skills in the mining and energy sectors by encouraging learners to choose Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) as subjects of choice. Furthermore, investing in young people enables them to acquire critical skills needed to propel the energy sector forward, which leads to the growth and development of the South African economy.

MQA bursary winners from left to right: Moloto Nare, Rachuene Kgalema, Ntsaone Lesedi, Siphiwe Mhlongo, Vuyani Shabangu and Reggie Masulu

The participating schools for the 2019 Learner Focus Week were from Gauteng, North West, Mpumalanga and the

where they could gain real life experience of what mining

Limpopo provinces. The event was hosted in partnership

processes entail. Sasol officials were on hand to guide the

with the Gauteng Provincial Department of Education,

learners and stakeholders through visual simulations of

the DMRE, State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) including the

Sasol’s operations.

MQA, as well as energy and mining sector organisations.

As part of the exhibitors, the MQA imparted knowledge

On day three of the five-day programme, learners

about the opportunities and career fields in the mining and

presented their science competition solutions to a team

minerals sector. A total of 250 learners from the mentioned

of adjudicators. The criteria for the competition included

Provinces participated in this year’s Learner Focus Week

providing and identifying a problem; devising an original

under the theme “Careers in Mining”.

solution for the problem; the methodology used to generate that solution; and knowledge of the subject.

The learners were treated to presentations from industry greats such as Sasol, SAASTA, Mintek, Mine Health

The Unisa I-SET (Inspired towards Science Engineering and

and Safety Council and Mr Michael Pneuma of Pneuma

Technology) a community engagement flagship project of

Jewellers,

a MQA accredited training provider, who

Unisa’s College of Science, Engineering and Technology

delivered a presentation on the “4th Industrial Revolution

(CSET), and the Research and Innovation portfolio,

High

Artificial

introduced the learners to robotics and building robots 101.

Intelligence”. Four breakaway sessions were scheduled to

The learners had to complete a quiz thereafter, on what

equip the learners with much needed information and the

they learned throughout the programme.

Tech

Manufacturing

Equipment

and

four main topics of discussion were: At the conclusion of the 2019 Leaner Focus Week, the 1.

Examination preparation;

Department of Mineral Resources and Energy hosted

2.

Making a career decision;

an award ceremony fit for future engineers. The award

3.

Expectations for students studying towards mining

ceremony recognised students who were excelling during

related fields;

the duration of the programme, educators as well as

Admission point scoring.

provincial co-ordinators. The Limpopo province dominated

4.

the awards ceremony as they scooped the first prize for In the spirit of the theme, learners were also presented

the science project competition. The winning learners

with the opportunity to visit various mines in Secunda

also received magnificent prizes such as laptops, printers, tablets, cameras and bursaries from the MQA. The proud winners of the MQA bursaries were: Limpopo Province

Award ceremony gala dinner

•

Moloto Nare

•

Kabelo Semenya

•

Racheune Kgalema

•

Ntsaone Lesedi

Mpumalanga Province •

Siphiwe Mhlongo

•

Vuyani Shabangu

•

Reggie Masulu

MQA NEWS • Quarter 2 • 2020

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On 18 July 2019 each year, scores of South Africans and the international community honour the late international icon and former President Nelson Mandela, by observing Nelson Mandela International Day. This day is a catalyst that encourages everyone to change the world through voluntary community work. The MQA spent its 67 minutes for Mandela with some residents of that have made a home on the streets of Melville. The MQA offered them a simple meal and conversation over warm coffee on the chilly day.

MQA Staff at the Mandela Day Event.

Hertitage Day

Heritage Day is a South African public holiday celebrated annually. On this day, 24 September, South Africans are encouraged to embrace and celebrate their cultures and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions of a nation that belongs to all its people.

The MQA staff members dressed in their cultural attires, recited their clan names and danced their traditional dances. The MQA celebrates diversity within the organisation. This was a day in which the spirit of ubuntu came into light for many of the MQA staff in attendance.

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MQA NEWS • Quarter 2 • 2020

The MQA hosted an Organised Labour Capacity Building Workshop from 19-20 August 2019 at the Sunnyside Park Hotel. The purpose of this workshop was to provide a brief overview on skills development and planning as well as to update organised labour on the MQA Funding Policy, learnerships, bursaries, AET and other MQA projects.

The NUM National Education Secretary, Olehile Kgware led the welcoming address. The workshop was attended by representatives from both NUM and UASA and gratitude was expressed from both parties to the MQA Stakeholder at the Organised Labour Capacity Building Workshop

for the informative presentations from all the units.

Ms Merle Clark, Customer Service and Communication Manager engaging Stakeholders.

The Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system

not resolved timeously. The MQA has not reached a stage where

focuses on the creation of cases, recording and reporting of

all customer queries can be effectively recorded on a sustainable

stakeholder interactions and tracking their resolution. The

basis, but largely records email enquiries on the system.

system evaluates and monitors the precision of engagement between the various units and stakeholders. The monthly

There were a total number of 1 023 queries recorded onto the

generated reports highlight the resolved cases and those

CRM system and resolved from 01 July to 30 September 2019.

that are pending. Every stakeholder complaint received

The total number of email cases uploaded and resolved in the

is assigned a case number to enable the stakeholder to

quarter was as follows:

follow-up using the case reference number if the query is

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MQA NEWS • Quarter 2 • 2020

TO BE CAPTURED

1023

PENDING

1023

Supply Chain Management

15

Free State

0

North West

4

Northern Cape

204

Eastern Cape

44

Mpumalanga

Limpopo

506

Strategic Learning Programmes

190

Operational Learning Programmes

Quality Assurance

23

Bursary

Skills Development and Research

NUMBER RECORDED PER UNIT

RESOLVED

TOTALS CAPTURED

CASE BREAKDOWN PER UNIT FOR THE QUARTER

2

0

580

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Beneficiary and control; disposal of the dead; chemical safety; noise control; malaria control; control of hazardous

Ntshephe Dezrey Mafologelo

substances; radiation (ionising and non-ionising) Briefly describe your personal and educational background

What inspired your choice of career?

My name is Ntshephe Dezrey Mafologelo, a 22 year old final year student in Environmental Health at Tshwane University of Technology. I was born and raised in Burgersfort, Limpopo where I attended my primary education at Mafolo Primary School, then proceeded to commence Grade 8 at Kgokodibeng High School until I completed my matric. I applied for a MQA bursary and was fortunate to be selected as one of the MQA’s beneficiaries.

My late uncle worked as a Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Officer at one of the local mines back at home, and one day I went through his posters and reports. I admired his job responsibilities which involved managing all safety aspects in the mine, to name but a few. Later on, I conducted some research about safety related

courses and Environmental

Health was one of them. My love for Environmental Health grew even more when I discovered that its focus was not only limited to safety but also emphasized health issues.

What does your occupation entail?

Environmental health is basically the study of how environmental factors can harm and impact on human health, as well as how to identify and manage such effects. We are responsible for carrying out measures to protect the health of the public including administering and enforcing environmental health related legislation. Environmental health practitioners are multi-skilled in many areas and are involved in a variety of activities such as health surveillance of premises; waste management; water quality; food control; surveillance and prevention of communicable diseases; vector control; environmental pollution

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control and port health.

How has the MQA assisted you in your career development?

When the MQA offered me an opportunity to be one of its bursary scheme beneficiaries, their sponsorship is what sustained me throughout my studies, as well as my burning desire to qualify as an Occupational Hygienist.

What benefits have you gained as a MQA beneficiary?

In 2015, the MQA in conjunction with McMillan awarded me a tablet, cell phone, as well as study

MQA NEWS • Quarter 2 • 2020

What more is there for Ntshephe?

I want to qualify as an Occupational Hygienist. This requires 5 years’ experience in the occupational hygiene field. So far, I have registered with the South African Institute of Occupational Hygiene under the Assistant category. I now need the practical exposure to excel in the field.

How do you think your career achievement is going to contribute towards the mining sector?

The mining sector has a dangerous work environment and the workforce is faced with high levels of risk in terms of both safety and health related issues.

There is a significant widespread of occupational diseases amongst mine workers in South Africa and as an Environmental Health graduate who desires to specialise in Occupational Hygiene, I believe that “prevention is better than cure”. My background materials after achieving the top learner position as part of

knowledge

of

occupational

hygiene

(chemical

the MQA’s Maths and Science project. This sponsorship

hazards, physical hazards and controls), air quality

continued throughout my university career in the form of

management, disaster management, research and

fully paid tuition fees, accommodation costs, meal and

environmental epidemiology, will assist the mines

book allowances. I never had to contribute towards any of

to prevent mining fatalities and injuries. This will

my university expenses.

be achieved through the promotion of health and safety standards in the mining sector to ensure that

How would you encourage someone who would like to

the hazards are adequately controlled (following the

follow in your footsteps?

hierarchy of control).

I believe that we should never allow other people’s failures to influence what they themselves can achieve. One

Would you like to share any other information

individual may struggle in one area of their life; this does

about your career development or growth?

not imply that other people in similar circumstances will

I was exposed to all aspects of the environmental

experience the same battle.

health scope of practice through Work Integrated Learning (WIL), and this gave me an opportunity to

Also, all the discouragement thrown their way should be

become more environmentally aware. It was through

used as a stepping stone to reach greater heights. After

this WIL that I developed an interest to pursue a

all, what better encouragement is there than someone

Masters qualification in Environmental Management,

telling you that you cannot do something!

in order to have a direct impact on legislation related to the mines and the environment.

What would you say is your biggest achievement so far?

Completing the Bachelor’s degree in record time and being awarded the Best Student in Air Quality Management IV, Occupational Health and Safety Management IV, as well as being nominated under the 2019 Student of the Year category.

MQA NEWS • Quarter 2 • 2020

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Anonymously Report Fraud using any of these Channels: 080 131 3557 086 726 1681 072 595 9139 (PCM) mqa@thehotline.co.za www.thehotline.co.za P.O. Box 21029, Valhalla, 0137 APP: www.thehotlineapp.co.za Head Office Gauteng

Regional Offices Eastern Cape King Sabatha Dalindyebo TVET College R61 Queenstown Road Cicira Village Mthatha, 5099 Tel: 087 095 0497

Mining Qualifications Authority 7 Anerley Road, Parktown Johannesburg Tel: 011 547 2600

Free State Goldfields TVET College Tosa Campus 14107 Ndaki Road Thabong, Welkom Tel: 087 095 0266

Limpopo

Mpumalanga

Sekhukhune TVET College CN

Nkangala TVET College

Phathudi Campus

Mpondozamkomo Campus

Stand No.: 2659

1 Moses Kotane Drive

Praktiseer

Ferrobank, Witbank

Tel: 087 095 0267

Tel: 013 696 8120 / 8121

North West

Northern Cape Northern Cape Rural

Old Shopping Complex

TVET College

59 Karee Street

Kathu Campus

Mooinooi

Hans Coetzee Road

Tel: 015 555 8860

Kathu, 8446 Tel: 053 723 0100

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MQA NEWS • Quarter 2 • 2020