Engineering News | Education & Skills Development

https://www.engineeringnews.co.za

Advertise on this page? Click Here to Learn More

Education & Skills Development News

Innovation drives mining efficiency, but also accessibility for women

By: Marleny Arnoldi 9th September 2020 Even though the mining industry has come a long way in providing more opportunities for women, women still only make up 12% of the industry’s workforce. The adoption of new innovations and technology can contribute to increasing the number of women working in the industry, says Women in Mining... →

B4SA welcomes TERS extension

By: Donna Slater 9th September 2020 Business for South Africa (B4SA) has welcomed Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi’s decision to further extend the Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS), operated by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), to September 15. Earlier in September, Nxesi said that with the lockdown for some... →

Data key to long-term optimisation, says SAIMC's first-ever female president

By: Simone Liedtke 9th September 2020 Describing data as the “new oil” or “new water” of the world, Society for Automation, Instrumentation, Mechatronics and Control (SAIMC) president Annemarie van Coller has emphasised the importance of changing data from “just data to insights”. Speaking during an automation-themed webinar hosted... →

SAIMC president Annemarie van Coller gives viewers some insight into the data journey. Video: Creamer Media's Kutlwano Matlala. Editing: Creamer Media's Nicholas Boyd.

FMF appoints chairperson and deputy

By: Donna Slater 9th September 2020 The Free Market Foundation (FMF) has elected Lawrence Mavundla chairperson during its first meeting of the new board following its election at the FMF annual general meeting on July 29. He is supported by deputy chairperson Johanna McDowall. →

Free Market Foundation chairperson Lawrence Mavundla

Automotive training programme resumes

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 8th September 2020 The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), in partnership with automotive sector enterprise development company Filpro, has resumed its R2-million support programme aimed at growing the competitiveness of 137 informal automotive mechanics in Mdantsane, outside East London. Launched in July... →

4IR a ‘unique opportunity’ for Africa to overcome development hurdles

By: Simone Liedtke 8th September 2020 The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) represents a unique opportunity for African countries to scale development hurdles with the help of technologies, electronics manufacturer Pepperl+Fuchs Africa sales director Marc van Pelt said on September 8. He spoke during an automation-themed webinar,... →

Pepperl+Fuchs Africa sales director Marc van Pelt gives us some more insight into how the Fourth Industrial Revolution represents a unique opportunity for Africa, and South Africa. Video: Creamer Media's Kutlwano Matlala. Editing: Creamer Media's Nicholas Boyd.

German development bank sponsors TVET lecturer training centre

By: Marleny Arnoldi 8th September 2020 Germany-based KfW Development Bank has signed an agreement with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to establish an in-service skills development centre for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) lecturers, at the Ekurhuleni East College. The agreement, which... →

Covid-19 TERS payments extended until September 15

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 8th September 2020 Following negotiations at the National Economic Development and Labour Council and the signing of the direction to that effect by Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi, the Covid-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme has been extended until September 15. “With the lockdown for some... →

Photo by Creamer Media
Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi

Dube-Ncube congratulates CHEM Energy for opening S Africa’s first fuel cell factory

By: Sane Dhlamini 7th September 2020 KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube has congratulated CHEM ENERGY, a subsidiary of Taiwanese conglomerate CHEM Corporation, which has opened its $200-million fuel cell production factory in KwaZulu-Natal at the Dube TradePort Special... →

Photo by Supplied
CHEM Energy President Angelin Maharaj with KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Nomusa Dube-Ncube at the opening of the first fuel cell opened at the Dube TradePort

Numsa approaches Labour Court about Comair salaries, medical aid standstills

By: Marleny Arnoldi 4th September 2020 The National Union of Metalworkers South Africa (Numsa) has approached the Johannesburg Labour Court for an urgent interdict to compel the management of airline Comair to pay outstanding salaries and continue making medical aid contributions on behalf of employees. A hearing has been scheduled... →

Digital platforms used for lectures

By: Halima Frost 4th September 2020 The Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) launched online learning for students at its Cape Town and Durban welding schools in April after Covid-19 lockdown restrictions prevented students from attending lectures. The students join lectures taking place in Johannesburg through digital... →

Southern African Institute of Welding executive director John Tarboton and business development manager Etienne Nell discuss welding students’ use of simulation and digital training.

Institute developing app for students

By: Halima Frost 4th September 2020 The Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) will launch its new Prospectus application (app) for Android and iOS operating systems ahead of 2021’s student registrations. “Prospectus, as the name implies, is a comprehensive guide to all the courses on offer by the SAIW,” says SAIW CEO John... →

PATH FINDER The new Prospectus app being introduced by The Southern African Institute of Welding will help prospective welders chose their career path

Nearly 6 000 Covid-19-related claims lodged with the Compensation Fund

By: Simone Liedtke 3rd September 2020 A total of 5 986 claims have been lodged with the Compensation Fund for persons having contracted the Covid-19 virus while at work. Of this number, 3 782 claims have been submitted directly to the fund and a further 2 009 to Rand Mutual, while Federated Employers received 195 claims. →

SA Innovation Summit to be held virtually

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 3rd September 2020 The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has partnered with the South African Innovation Summit (SAIS) to host the 2020 Innovation Summit virtual event, which will be held from September 30 to October 1. The summit brings together innovation leaders from different countries,... →

CESA’s School of Consulting Engineering forging ahead with virtual courses

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 2nd September 2020 Owing to the global Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown, skills development has been severely impacted owing to physical attendance of courses being brought to a halt, says industry body Consulting Engineers South Africa (Cesa). It notes that this has not deterred the organisation’s School... →

US embassy launches second Africa women entrepreneurs programme

By: Schalk Burger 2nd September 2020 The US Embassy in South Africa has partnered with the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) to implement the 2020/21 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) South Africa programme, which will result in 125 female entrepreneurs selected nationwide for an opportunity to receive... →

Higher Education dept partners with German development bank on TVET lecturer training

By: Schalk Burger 1st September 2020 Germany’s KfW Development Bank and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) have signed an agreement to establish the first in-service skills development centre for technical vocational education and training (TVET) lecturers at the Ekurhuleni East College, the German Embassy said... →

Seifsa, trade unions adopt standstill main agreement

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 1st September 2020 The 19 employer associations affiliated to industry body the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) and the industry’s five trade unions on September 1 formally adopted the 2020 to 2021 standstill main agreement concluded in August. The collective agreement,... →

Public Works and Infrastructure launches youth unemployment database

By: Donna Slater 31st August 2020 The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has launched a district model-type unemployed database for youth, professionals and artisans throughout South Africa. The database will be used to capture and store information on these unemployed groups in an effort to help determine... →

State is falling short of expectations – Ramaphosa

By: Sane Dhlamini 31st August 2020 As South Africa prepares to observe Public Service Month in September, President Cyril Ramaphosa admits that there are fundamental problems government is working to fix. He pointed out that the experience for many South Africans is a State that is falling short of expectations. He said government... →

President Cyril Ramaphosa

Bleak outlook for South Africa’s unemployment rate − Schussler

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 28th August 2020 The Covid-19 pandemic and the months of lockdown have had an immense negative impact on economies worldwide, with entire industries forced to close their doors, affecting millions of workers who either lost their income for weeks on end or lost their jobs altogether, economist Mike Schussler... →

BLSA praises govt’s Matric assistance broadcasts

By: Marleny Arnoldi 28th August 2020 Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) has commended the Department of Basic Education (DBE) for launching a free-to-air television initiative called Woza Matrics. The initiative will assist Grade 12s with their preparation for final exams in November after the government opted to temporarily... →

B4SA notes announcement of resumption of UIF TERS benefit payments

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 28th August 2020 Member organisation Business for South Africa (B4SA) has noted the announcement by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) that Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) benefits are to resume following the halting of payments owing to investigations into system integrity problems. “The move... →

Embracing digitalisation amid pandemic

28th August 2020 Over the past few years, member association South African Qualifications and Certification Committee for Gas (SAQCC Gas) has been gearing up to fully adapt to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), and the Covid-19 pandemic has not found the organisation unprepared. →

Gender diversity needed in industry

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 28th August 2020 Even though the equipment rental and construction sector is still male-dominated, the landscape is changing, says compressor and generator supplier Rand-Air GM Kim Coetzee. “. . . about 48% of this sector currently comprises female employees in South Africa - many of them very small women-led... →

Deliberate action required to encourage transformation

By: Simone Liedtke 28th August 2020 Deliberate action in pursuit of transformation will continue to play a huge role in attracting more women to the local construction sector, says diversified infrastructure and services construction company Concor Construction business development and stakeholder engagement executive Fezeka... →

Concor Construction’s Fezeka Nompumza discusses women transformation in the construction industry, and what needs to be done to encourage this.

Support, mentoring key in driving transformation

By: Simone Liedtke 28th August 2020 Women will need to support and mentor other women in the construction industry as part of reshaping the mindset that the industry is male-dominated, says building materials company AfriSam mineral resource manager Niraksha Singh. “This is necessary, considering that legacy issues and societal... →

AfriSam’s Niraksha Singh discusses how mentoring and support are key in driving transformation.

Scania partners with Limpopo Economic Development Agency to develop R15m workshop

By: Simone Liedtke 27th August 2020 In line with Scania’s global purpose to drive the shift towards a sustainable transport system for business and society at large, Scania South Africa has partnered with the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA) and the Thulamela municipality to develop the R15-million Scania Thohoyandou... →

Ford donates 240 engines to support skills development, training in technical schools

By: Simone Liedtke 27th August 2020 Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) has launched a far-reaching engine donation programme to support skills development and training at technical high schools across the country. As part of the programme, the vehicle manufacturer is donating 240 engines, valued at R7.8-million, as part... →

France donates R1.8m worth of medical equipment to South Africa

By: Sane Dhlamini 27th August 2020 The French government has donated R1.8-million worth of medical material and personal protective equipment to South Africa, which will be distributed to hospitals in the Northern Cape, North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The donation comes at the request of the South African government as part of... →

Nzimande condemns students who submit false information to obtain NSFAS funding

By: Yvonne Silaule 26th August 2020 The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has removed 5 000 students from its list of beneficiaries. Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Dr Blade Nzimande on August 26 said the 5 000 students were provided with funding support, but had provided inaccurate information for the... →

UIF lifts delay of Covid TERS benefit payments

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 26th August 2020 The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has resumed payment of Covid-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) benefits after a 24-hour delay which was necessitated by the need to address some control deficiencies in the Covid TERS online payment system. This is the usual step where, if... →

B4SA disappointed at TERS payment suspension

By: Donna Slater 26th August 2020 Business for South Africa (B4SA) is disappointed that all payments of Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) benefits have been halted pending investigations by the Auditor-General (AG). It is understood that the AG is investigating system integrity... →

DPWI, AgriSeta to train 400 artisans

By: Simone Liedtke 24th August 2020 The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has provided about R66-million to AgriSeta to train 400 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) participants to become artisans. The funding was provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET’s) National Skills Fund... →

Climate-resilient economy is necessary – Ramaphosa

By: Sane Dhlamini 24th August 2020 As South Africa tries to develop an urgent economic recovery programme, it is important that the new economy be resilient in the face of climate change. This was according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his weekly column to the nation. He said a climate-resilient economy was vital in protecting... →

President Cyril Ramaphosa

More interns to join South Africa's healthcare workforce

By: Yvonne Silaule 21st August 2020 Forty-one medical interns who studied abroad have passed their exams and are being sent to various provinces in South Africa. This adds to the 2 369 interns who have joined the Department of Health (DoH) from the beginning of this year. →

Sibanye, Wits collaborate to make face shields

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 21st August 2020 JSE-listed Sibanye-Stillwater and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) have collaborated to produce face shields for frontline healthcare workers in communities around the miner's South African operations and in the Eastern Cape province. The face shields are being made by students and... →

Topics In These Articles

RSS Feed

About

Engineering News is a product of Creamer Media.
www.creamermedia.co.za

Other Creamer Media Products include:
Mining Weekly
Research Channel Africa
Polity

Newsletters

Sign up for our FREE daily email newsletter

Receive daily sector news alerts

More

Subscriptions

We offer a variety of subscriptions to our Magazine, Website, PDF Reports and our photo library.

Subscriptions are available via the Creamer Media Store.

View store

Advertise

Advertising on Engineering News is an effective way to build and consolidate a company's profile among clients and prospective clients. Email advertising@creamermedia.co.za

View options

Subscribe