Media statement NSA December 2016

NATIONAL SKILLS AUTHORITY (NSA) CONVENED A TWO-DAY PROGRESS REVIEW SESSION

The National Skills Authority (NSA) convened a two-day Progress Review Session at the Magaliesburg Valley Lodge from 23 to 24 November 2016. The two-day session provided the NSA with the opportunity to receive, evaluate and review its projects.

Update progress reports presented were received on the:

Tracer Study of the Transition of NCV Students from TVET Colleges to the Labour Market – NSA Funding

The study was conducted in collaboration between the Swiss-South African Cooperation Initiative (SSACI). The study is aimed at:

  • Exploring the social and economic factors that influence the choice of young people to study NCV in a TVET
  • Examining the experiences of young people while in college, on leaving TVET colleges and during their attempts to enter the labour market; and
  • Describe their transition pathways from school to work via TVET colleges

A full presentation and report can be accessed on the NSA website.

Feasibility on the establishment on a Centre for Skills Development

The research is aimed at exploring the feasibility of establishing a training Centre for Skills Development (CSD) in order to strengthen the capacity of the post-school education and training system (PSET). The CSD is modeled and benchmarked against the Turin International Labour Organisation (ILO) training centre in Italy. The DHET Corporate Services and the HRDC have also shown keen interest in the creation of such a platform which its modus operandi is still being investigated. A report on the recent study tour to Italy can be requested from the NSA office

NSDS III 2011 – 2016 Implementation Report (annual and 5 year terms)

The National Skills Development Strategy III (NSDS III) 2011 – 2016 marks the fifth year of the strategy’s implementation. The NSDS III progress reports seeks to report on the implementation of the NSDS annually from 2015-2016 and for five years of the implementation of the NSDS from 2011-2016. The reports play a crucial role of tracking progress against the 8 NSDS goals by indicating challenges or successes experienced in the roll out of the strategy.

NSDS III Impact/Evaluation study

The purpose of the research is to review the impact of the NSDS III impact on beneficiaries, uptake by stakeholders, the rate of participation by SETAs (and employee relationships), public universities and colleges, private providers as well as the quality of learning.  The study will be conducted at national level, covering all SETAs, TVET Colleges, Universities and all other role players in regards to achievement of all eight goals. The study is its infancy stage and is envisaged to conclude in March 2018.

NSA M&E Framework

The project is aimed at developing a business case for the new role of the NSA pronounced in the White Paper for Post-School Education and Training. The framework will assist in clarifying the distinctive role of the SETAs, DHET in M&E and how the NSA can enhance such a function.

SETA Panel Review and NSA oversight report on the performance of SETAs

The SETA panel review is in the second year of operation and good progress has already been reported against the objectives of the project.

The aim of the project is to:

  • Support to improve the quality of SETA planning and performance;
  • Identify SETA performance against plans of the SETAs;
  • Identify, support and recommend alignment to the National Skills Development Strategy;
  • Support the improvement in performance and planning not only for reporting but also for governance;
  • Integrated report of a SETA; and not in isolation of other reports and plans.

CONCLUSION

These progress reports allowed the NSA to effectively monitor and review these projects in alignment with its strategic objectives. Further discussions included the strengthening of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) with a Roundtable to be held in 2017 as well as a review of the SETA landscape and National Skills Development Plan.

We will provide you with constant updates on progress regarding our research studies and relevant strategic projects. We will share with you key findings and communicate final outcomes of the studies and    make them publicly available on the NSA website.

NATIONAL SKILLS AUTHORITY (NSA) TO CONVENE A TWO-DAY PROGRESS REVIEW SESSION

Dear Colleagues,

From Wednesday, 23 November 2016 to Thursday, 24 November 2016 the National Skills Authority (NSA) will be convening a two-day Progress Review Session at the Magaliesburg Valley Lodge.

This two-day session serves as an opportunity for the NSA to provide progress reports on projects and strategic issues for evaluation and review.

During this time the NSA Secretariat requests that any urgent queries be forwarded to Ms. Winnie Manell. Ms. Manell can be contacted via email at Manell.W@dhet.gov.za or via telephone on 012 312 5780.

Your patience and understand during this period is appreciated.

Kind Regards,
Dr Thabo Mashongoane
Director: National Skills Authority

Media Statement – National Skills Authority meeting with the Minister

The Minister welcomed and congratulated the new NSA Chairperson Ms Lulama Nare into her new portfolio and thanked Mr Thulani Tshefuta for acting in the portfolio while processes for the new Chairperson were being concluded. In his remarks the Minister impressed that the NSA should play a strategic role in advising the Minister as per the Skills Development Act and start to engage with its new mandate of becoming an expert body on monitoring and evaluation.

He stressed that job creation is one of the key priorities for government and that it was imperative that skills development should be aligned to key economic growth sectors.  The Minister highlighted the critical importance of ensuring the creation of capacity within the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector to interpret skills development economic trends. The Minister made a call to the NSA to advise on key economic growth sectors in which skills development should focus on, in order to improve economic growth and sustainable livelihoods.

The issues of articulation within the PSET system and the up skilling the current workforce and provision of resourcing and funding for worker education should be seriously considered.

In conclusion, the Minister highlighted that monitoring of the implementation of the NSDS and the impact of skills development should be prioritised.  The mechanisms put in place for supporting skills development institutions and monitoring and evaluation of skills development implementation and the levies should be strengthened.

NATIONAL SKILLS AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES ITS NEW CHAIRPERSON

Ms-Lulama-Nare

Ms Lulama Nare was appointed the new Chairperson of the NSA in April 2016 by the Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Blade Nzimande as per the Skills Development Act 97 of 98 as amended.

Ms Nare is a teacher by profession and holds a Degree in Industrial Psychology and Education as well as a higher Education Diploma in Business Management and Education.  She is committed and passionate about issues of equality, civil and human rights; and that led her to pursue an activist role in various spheres of society. In her leadership capacities she works effectively with local elected officials, organizations, churches, and citizens, garnering their support for civil rights with regards to access of essential services within the Republic of South Africa.

Ms Nare brings with a wealth of experience to the NSA. She is currently appointed as Commissioner in the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE). Ms Nare also serves as an Executive committee member of the Tshwane University of Technology Council.  She also served as Head of Department for SADTU’s (South African Democratic Teachers Union) Gender Unit National Gender Coordinator at the South African Communist Party.

She was previously a member of the NSA and served as a deputy chairperson for the community constituency. She was once Overall Convenor at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) Community Constituency. Ms Nare’s professional leadership included amongst others serving as a member of the Presidential Working Group on the global economic crisis, member of the presidential working group on electricity and member of the Wholesale and Retail SETA.

The NSA would like to wish Ms Nare success in her new position.

 

The National Skills Authority is an advisory body to the Minister of Higher Education and on matters regarding the skills development in the country.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: NATIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AWARDS 2016 #NSA2016Awards

 

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CALL FOR NOMINTATIONS: NATIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AWARDS 2016 #NSA2016Awards

The National Skills Authority (NSA) is inviting all the relevant organisations and institutions implementing (NSDS) skills development to participate in the National Skills Development Awards. The prestigious awards ceremony will be held in February / March 2017.

The objectives of the awards are:

  • To celebrate excellence by recognising best skills development practices across all skills development implementers and NSF Funded Projects in various categories.
  • To provide extensive and national coverage/exposure for best skills development practices through print and electronic media.
  • To recognise work placement opportunities created through the various learning programmes i,e artisan development, FET graduate placement, Universities graduate placement, learnerships and internships.
  • To encourage maximum use of workplace-based skills development initiatives.
  • To mobilise business, government, community and providers to ensure the realisation of the NSDS III goals.

WHO SHOULD APPLY

  • SETAs
  • National Departments
  • Provincial Departments
  • State Owned Enterprises
  • Municipalities
  • Companies (Large/SMMEs)* Large company 500-1000 or more employees, medium company 51-500 employees and small company 1-50 employees
  • CBOs and NGOs
  • Public and Private Education and Training Institutions

AWARDS WILL BE AWARDED BASED ON 2014-2016 PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

  • TRACK RECORD OF PLACEMENTS AND APPOINTMENTS
  • RETENTION AND THROUGHPUT
  • NUMBER OF LEARNERS EMPLOYED
  • PROFILE OF LEARNERS

CATEGORIES

* Best Artisan Development Programme
* Best TVET placement programme
* Best AET Programme
* Best Skills Programme
* Best Skills Programme
* Best University Placement Programme (WIL/WPBL)
* Best Community project
* Best Public Sector Internship and learnership programmes
* Best career and vocational guidance programme

APPLICATION PROCESS

COMPLETE THE ONLINE FORM

OR

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM

More information on the criteria for the awards and application forms will be accessible at all SETAs.

Applications must be submitted/forwarded to the National Skills Authority at skillsawards@nationalskillsauthority.org.za

Enquiries

Contact Number: 012 312 5420
Email               : skillsawards@nationalskillsauthority.org.za
Twitter             : https://mobile.twitter.com/SkillsAuthority
Instagram        : https://www.instagram.com/nsa_za/
Facebook        : https://www.facebook.com/nationalskillsauthority/

Media Statement on National Skills Authority advises the Minister on the new National Skills Development Strategy

National Skills Authority advises the Minister on the new National Skills Development Strategy and the Seta landscape beyond 2018 and the Skills Conference and Awards 2016

The National Skills Authority (NSA) in partnership with Provincial Skills Development Forums (PSDFs),

hosted public hearings in all Provinces following the Minister of Higher Education and Training  Government Gazette announcement of 10 November 2015 on the call for public comments on the

“Proposal for the New National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS) and Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) Landscape within the context of an Integrated and Differentiated Post School Education and Training System (NSLP 2015)”.

23 June 2016 1

The newly appointed NSA Chairperson Ms Lulama Nare, led the NSA in presenting a report during an NSA meeting with the Minister at Johannesburg. The report highlighted consolidated inputs gathered through the public hearings. This included the nine provincial consultations, the written submissions and the NSA roundtable on the review of the NSDS and the SETA Landscape beyond 2018.

23 June 2016 2

The Minister was also apprised of other crucial work of the NSA but of special reference was the urgent need to strengthen the capacity of the NSA and the entire skill development cadres to ensure the is effectiveness and efficiency of the system. The Minister emphasised that for our country to realise the so much needed economic growth, skills system should fully integrate within the Post School Education Sector for maximum inclusive growth path.

It is envisaged that the Skills Conference and Awards 2016 with the theme: “Skills Development System for an Integrated and Differentiated Post School Education and Training Sector” – Past, Present and Future, is planned for the 27-28 October 2016 will provide a multi-stakeholder platform for reviewing the gains of the NSDS III and chart a new skills development trajectory for the future. The Awards Evening will seek to recognise good work done by various role players in facilitating education and training and promoting excellence.

The Minister responded by welcoming the advice on the NSLP-2015 and congratulated the new NSA Chairperson Ms Lulama Nare into her new portfolio and thanked Mr Thulani Tshefuta for acting in the portfolio while processes for the new Chairperson were being concluded. In his remarks the Minister impressed that the NSA should play a strategic role in advising the Minister as per the Skills Development Act and start to engage with its new mandate of becoming an expert body on monitoring and evaluation.

He stressed that job creation is one of the key priorities for government and that it was imperative that skills development should be aligned to key economic growth sectors.  The Minister reiterated the critical importance of ensuring the creation of capacity within the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector to interpret skills development economic trends. The Minister made a call to the NSA to advice on key economic growth sectors in which skills development should focus on, in order to improve economic growth, worker education and sustainable livelihoods.

The issues of articulation within the PSET system and the up skilling the current workforce and provision of resourcing and funding for worker education should be seriously considered.

In conclusion, the Minister highlighted that monitoring of the implementation of the NSDS and the impact of skills development should be prioritised.  The mechanisms put in place for supporting skills development institutions and monitoring and evaluation of skills development implementation and the levies should be strengthened.

Media statement on the National Skills Authority meeting with the SETAs

The National Skills Authority (NSA) convened a meeting with the representatives of the 21 governing structures of the 21 Governing structures of the Seta Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) on 25 May 2016 as part of the NSA’s legislative role of monitoring the performance of SETAs. The Skills Development Act 97 of 98 as amended required that the NSA must liaise with SETAs on the national skills development strategy.

The newly appointed Chairperson of the NSA led the discussions and indicated that the purpose of the meeting was to engage on the performance of SETAs, the impact of skills development programmes within the Post-school Education and Training system and the current and future activities that sought to enhance skills development work.

SETAs emphasised that:

  • The current system should ensure that performance targets were relevant.
  • In future the scope of SETAs should be focused and clear.
  • The system should move towards monitoring qualitative targets.
  • There was an urgent need for a common monitoring and evaluation framework.
  • The discussions on the future SETA landscape to be preceded by discussions on the strategy

The SETAs also viewed the engagement with the NSA as very strategic and proposed continuous future engagements with the NSA, SETA Chairpersons and CEOs on key skills development policy related issues.