The merSETA will join scores of companies and organisations that will attend the SA Industry and Technology Fair 2013 (INDUTEC) in Midrand, Gauteng, in May this year. The event is a 10-shows-in-one trade exhibition focusing on companies involved in technology, manufacturing, energy and engineering, the water, gas and petroleum sectors as well as the pumps, valves and pipes industry. “The manufacturing and engineering sector contributes significantly to GDP and employs over 13% of the total employed population,” says Dr Raymond Patel, CEO of the merSETA.

INDUTEC Opens ‘Green’ Doors

“South Africa is hampered by a reactive approach to skills development for environmental and energy functions,” says Patel. “We must find a new sustainable development paradigm that enables South Africa to make better use of its natural resources.” INDUTEC is endorsed by some of merSETA’s stakeholders like Plastics SA, the South African Institute of Welding and SEIFSA.

Meanwhile, the merSETA received a major boost last September when it entered into an agreement with Gesellschaft Für Internationanale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) for strategic Sustainable Green Skills Development in the manufacturing and engineering sector. GIZ is a service provider in Germany which takes on complex challenges and creates effective systems for sustainable development.

A core project of the co-operation is a fundamental study of the extent to which enterprises that work with the merSETA integrate green skills into their processes.
Its four objectives are to research the current state of green skills and sustainability across companies; to initiate green job-specific qualification development and skills programme registrations; conduct an energy audit of the merSETA, and create career development programmes with particular focus on green jobs.

“Skills development in South Africa has always been a national priority,” continues Patel. “But the absence of a coherent strategy to support and sustain growth and development is a key challenge. Aligned to national priorities in the National Development Plan, one of the nine elements of a decent standard of living is clearly stated as a ‘clean environment’,” said Dr Patel.

INDUTEC takes place at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, from 14-16 May.