On the 2nd and 3rd of August 2018 National Skills Authority convened a two day research colloquium on the NSDS III evaluation study workshop which took place at Destiny Hotel & Conference Centre in Kempton Park, Gauteng Province. In welcoming the colloquium delegates, Ms Lulama Nare the NSA Chairperson indicated that the purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS) III 2011-2016. As the chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality of South Africa, she also seized the opportunity pay tribute to all the women during this period of August month.
The Deputy Minister of Higher Education Mr Buti Manamela during his opening address emphasised that the credibility of this evaluation study highly depends on delegates’ participation as the implementers, stakeholders and beneficiaries of the NSDS III intended outcomes.
The purpose of the colloquium was to receive and engage the progress report on the NSDS III Evaluation research study. A team of researchers from Mzabalazo Advisory Service and WITS REAL (Centre for Researching Education and Labour) presented progress reports on the study during the workshop.
The workshop was regarded as a last consultation phase of the project and will assist in reflecting on the lesson learned and provide the NSA with valuable input to inform the future.
The workshop discussed and received reports on the following:
Conceptual Discussion: locating the evaluation
The present progress on the study from inception until now. The outlining of the background, and methodology used- design evaluation, approach and also reporting. Assumptions underpinning the NSDS III, and the structure.
Reports on learner and financial data, employer survey, tracer studies and SETA interviews
Analysis of SETA learner and financial data report. Learner data analysis, financial analysis reports and challenges in dealing with the data gaps. A cohort analysis in respect of artisans, and financial analysis. Providing a snap shot of the overview of the skills development levy income, enrolment, completions and administrators and overall data on programmes. Stakeholders & SETA interview process including limitations such as timelines and challenges.
The Evaluation Report
Institutional capacity to manage and monitor implementation of NSDS III. Skills planning mechanism. Individual summary case studies that were conducted to analyse the phenomenon. Survey sent to employers seeking to understand their experiences of implementing skills development.
During day two of the workshop delegates dispersed to different breakaway rooms in order to deliberate on achievements, challenges, recommendations and how do issues raised will be processed in order to conclude the report.
In closing, the Acting Executive Officer of the NSA, Dr Thabo Mashongoane assured the delegates that the NSA will develop an advice to the Minister based on the findings and recommendations from the study. He also indicated that the outcomes of the study will be used to inform the National Skills Development Plan (NSDP) processes.
Enquiries:
Mr Fhedzisani Mashau
National Skills Authority Secretariat
Tel: 012 312 6001
E-mail: Mashau.F@dhet.gov.za
Issued by the NSA
For more information, please visit the National Skills Authority Website: www.nationalskillsauthority.org.za