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Education & Skills Development News

IDC approves R746m for Covid-19 economic relief

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 14th September 2020 Development finance institution, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has approved R746-million and disbursed R440.8-million as part of government’s Covid-19 economic relief measures. Following the onset of Covid-19 in South Africa, the IDC established three interventions in March. →

UIF delays Covid-19 TERS payments to address AGSA audit findings

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 11th September 2020 The payments for the new and outstanding applications for the Covid-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) relief benefits has been halted while the Department of Employment and Labour and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) improve controls as urged by the Auditor General of South... →

Panel provides insight, advice for young engineering professionals

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 11th September 2020 Young engineers entering the workplace must learn the necessary skills to adapt to the workplace and transition from education to practical application, panellists noted during a webinar held as part of the Electra Mining Africa 2020 Connect virtual event, for which Creamer Media’s Engineering... →

Dube-Ncube to inspect Margate Airport renovations

By: Sane Dhlamini 11th September 2020 KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube will visit Margate on Saturday to inspect R10-million worth of renovations at the Margate Airport as the country observes Tourism Month. Dube-Ncube will be accompanied by KwaZulu-Natal Transport, Community... →

KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Nomusa Dube-Ncube

Industry’s wings seemingly clipped

By: Mamaili Mamaila 11th September 2020 South Africa’s economy is hanging by a thread and this has presented massive challenges for the local aerospace industry, says aircraft design organisation Aerodesigns Africa director Murray Spoelstra. →

GLOBAL SIGHTS SET Similar to the local automotive industry that is manufacturing for European countries, so must there be opportunities to manufacture aircraft under licence for foreign companies

Level playing field key to moving industry forward

By: Mamaili Mamaila 11th September 2020 Transformation should be a top priority among the issues that need to be addressed in manufacturing for the aviation industry, says maintenance solutions provider Dynamic Aerotech technical operation and research director Mulalo Neluheni. →

OPEN UP THE INDUSTRY While there is scope for black people with potential to thrive in this space, this needs to take into account the whole value chain in the aerospace industry

Association laments sector decline

By: Mamaili Mamaila 11th September 2020 The aerospace manufacturing sector is in a “freefall” and there does not appear to be any parachute in sight, says industry body Commercial Aerospace Manufacturing Association of South Africa (Camasa) co-chairperson Themba September. →

AIRING IT OUT In its efforts to ensure that the sector returns to its former glory, Camasa has participated in the process of drafting a sector masterplan

Company helps industry meet extra staff demand

By: Cameron Mackay 11th September 2020 Staffing solutions provider Workforce Staffing’s country manager for Botswana Jimmy Samuels says the freight, logistics and warehousing industry is vital to South Africa’s economy, as many other sectors depend on it to operate. Constantly advancing technologies in this industry create a... →

ESSENTIAL STAFFING SOLUTIONS Workforce Staffings has been providing suitable, trained staff for positions on short notice, ensuring that essential services have been operating under lockdown

BEE not at the expense of meritocracy should be part of recovery, says Zungu

By: Marleny Arnoldi 10th September 2020 Black Business Council (BBC) president Sandile Zungu on September 10 said black economic empowerment (BEE) had a role to play in turning the economy around. During a webinar hosted by the Covid Business Rescue Assistance task team, Zungu discussed how the implementation of economic recovery... →

DUT, Ithala sign MoU to boost KZN economy

By: Sane Dhlamini 10th September 2020 KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube has applauded the recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) between her department’s Ithala Development Finance Corporation and the Durban University of Technology (DUT). The signing, according to... →

KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism And Environmental Affairs, Nomusa Dube-Ncube

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... →

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

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... →

STIMULATING SIMULATOR The SAIW is using a welding simulator to enable students to gain hands-on experience before entering the workforce

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... →

FEZEKA NOMPUMZA
Only 144 000 women are currently employed , formally and informally, in the construction sector, compared with about 1.2-million men

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... →

EMBRACING CHANGE
AfriSam has fully embraced empowering women in the construction and mining sector

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

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