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M I N I N G Q U A L I F I C A T I O N S A U T H O R I T Y
MQA
first quarter 2013/14
stakeholder engagement forums a great success
the Mqa donates r10 000 to united Cerebral Palsy association
the Mqa skills Development forums and WsP-atr submission processes for 2013
inside THis issUe
02
Renowned poet Ralph Waldo Emerson once
said: “Nothing great was ever achieved
without enthusiasm.” This was undeniably
evident at the MQA annual stakeholder
engagement events held earlier this year
where a number of issues were discussed, such as the first-come, first-
served approach to discretionary grant allocations. I’m happy to report
that the events were very productive.
The MQA also welcomed a number of new staff members during the
year and celebrated several internal staff movements. The MQA’s
commitment to reaching stakeholders in all areas of our country was
clearly seen by the expansion of regions which have ensured greater
access and support for all stakeholders.
The main priority for the MQA at this time, is the improvement of a
management information system (MIS) that will benefit stakeholders.
It has been decided that the current MQA-I-Share System needs to be
replaced. The MQA is currently undergoing tender processes to identify
a suitable service provider and is also revamping its current website,
not only in terms of its “look and feel”, but also its usability.
In its efforts to promote literacy and careers, ongoing career guidance
support continues with the MQA participating in a range of career
guidance events throughout the country focusing on rural communities
in particular. The MQA has also made a number of contributions to
organisations in need to help support the community.
Before I finish, please note that the back page of this newsletter is
intended to keep you informed on the MQA’s fraud hotline. Your
compliments, complaints and fraud related leads will be treated with
the utmost professionalism.
Enjoy the read; I really hope to hear from you with any information
pertaining to skills development and the sector.
editor, Merle Clark
editor’s note
editor: Merle Clark
email: [email protected]
editorial team: amanda Masilo and Baitse Mokiti
Copy editor: adri Viviers
Photography: Mqa communications team and Photos.com, a division of Getty images
Mining Qualifications Authority (Mqa)
Physical address: 7 anerley road, Parktown, JHB
Tel (switchboard): 010 593 1916
email: [email protected]
Website: www.mqa.org.za
Design and layout: isikhova Publishing & Communications (Pty) Ltd
Website: www.isikhova.co.za senior designer: Joanne Brook Project co-ordination: Marni du Doit email: [email protected]
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be produced, adapted, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of MQA.
The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the publishers or its agents. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of its contents, neither the owners nor the publishers can be held responsible for any omissions, errors, or for any misfortune, injury or damages which may arise therefrom. The same conditions apply to any advertising in the publication.
Dear Reader
Stakeholders are encouraged to submit letters to the editor for
publication in the next newsletter edition. We would like to know
your views and opinions on various projects, the organisation and
what you would like to read about. Drop us an email or mail us at:
The Editor: MQA News, Private Bag x118, Marshalltown, 2107 or email: [email protected]
LeTTers To THe ediTor
ediTor’s noTe ............................................ 02
sTakeHoLder engagemenT forUms a greaT sUccess ...................................... 03
THe mqa skiLLs deveLopmenT forUms and wsp-aTr sUbmission processes for 2013 ................................. 04
new faces and sTaff movemenTs ....... 05
2013-14 discreTionary granT aLLocaTions “firsT-come- firsT-served” ..............................................06
engineering as an exciTing career opTion ..........................................07
foUndaTionaL Learning compeTence faciLiTaTor piLoT programme acHievers receive recogniTion ........ 08
sysTem cHange – THe mqa To repLace cUrrenT mis ...............................09
THe mqa websiTe Under consTrUcTion ..............................09
pneUma JeweLLers prodUces rare diamonds .........................................09
THe mqa donaTes r10 000 To UniTed cerebraL paLsy associaTion ................10
THe mqa parTicipaTes in career exHibiTions To HeLp eqUip and assisT Learners .........................................11
03
MQA NEWS • FIRST QuARTER 2013/14
Engaging with stakeholders is a critical element of the
MQA’s operations and this year’s forums, which were
held during March 2013, once again proved to be a
great success.
The main objective of the forums was to inform
stakeholders about the MQA’s new head office, the
MQA’s expansion into regional offices, the National Skills
Development Strategy III update, the MQA’s priorities for
the 2013-2014 period. “The Year of the Artisan” support
including artisan development opportunities for the
employed and unemployed, mandatory and discretionary
grant regulation updates as well as discretionary grant
processes for 2013-2014 were also communicated.
The annual engagement forums are important to the MQA
as they provide a platform for stakeholders around the
country to be informed about the organisation’s activities
aimed at improving and facilitating an education and train-
ing framework for the mining and minerals sector. The
emphasis at this year’s events was to attract the right tar-
get audience. Although this was achieved in some regions,
attendance and the precise target audience remained a
challenge in some areas. A representative number of min-
ing company representatives were present at the forums.
The MQA assured its stakeholders that based on their
feedback, ongoing information sharing will be ensured
and where possible suggestions made. The MQA further
urged that all registered stakeholders or those working
actively in the mining sector attend these events for
their benefit in the future.
The following comments and suggestions were made by
delegates during the 2013 engagement forums:
stakeholder engagement
forUms a greaT sUccess
• The MQA was praised for being visible and engaging
• It was noted that the sessions fitted the purpose
• The stakeholder engagement forums were commended
for starting on time, being specific and relevant. It
was suggested that smaller engagement sessions be
held more often rather than larger ones as this
allows for more interaction
• It was suggested that DMR representatives be
encouraged to attend
• The MQA was acknowledged for providing reading
material on a regular basis which enriches lives
• The need for the development of artisans was emphasized
• More time for information sharing was requested
for increase
• The engagement presenters were praised for showing
great communication skills and for being well informed
and knowledgeable
• It was remarked that the MQA’s presence is being felt
as it is now providing stability and consistency
• It was agreed that the forum was a great success and
the most informative thus far.
Delegates attending the Rustenburg Stakeholder Engage- ment Forum.
Ms Jay Moodley, SGB Manager presenting at the Rustenburg Stakeholder Engagement Forum
04
MQA NEWS • FIRST QuARTER 2013/14
The MQA recently hosted its Skills Development Forums
in Gauteng, North West, the Free State and Mpumalanga.
The purpose of these workshops was to brief MQA
organisations on legislative and MQA requirements for
the WSP-ATR/Mandatory Grant submissions due on 30
June 2013; to update participants on the Organising
Framework for Occupations (OFO) in relation to changes
from the previous version; to discuss the implications
for mapping job titles to occupations; and to inform
participants on the WSP-ATR format and submission
process with specific reference to improvements to the
format and process from last year.
The workshops targeted MQA organisations, particularly
the personnel from organisations within the mining and
the mQa skills development Forums and wsp-aTr sUbmission processes for 2013
minerals sector who are responsible for the preparation
of data and the compilation and submission of the WSP-
ATR. The SDF, relevant personnel, and a representative of
organised labour (from the Skills Development Committee)
from each organisation are encouraged to attend.
the Mqa WsP-atr submission process 2013
The MQA WSP-ATR submission process for 2013 was a
step-by-step process with each step being completed
before proceeding to the next. This is based on the
MQA validating information submitted or organisations
submitting documents.
The main change for WSP-ATR 2013 compared to the
previous year is that occupational mapping will now make
use of the OFO Version 2013.
Closure of the submission of WsPs and atrs for
2013 and closure extensions
The submission of Workplace Skills Plans (WSPs) and
Annual Training Reports (ATRs) closed on Sunday,
30 June 2013. An automated process was followed. IT
Aware was appointed as the service provider to provide
support and assistance during the submission process.
Late submission requests are being assessed and are due
to be finalised. It was a requirement that SDFs register on
the system (the registration process for this commenced
in May 2013). The MQA would like to thank the SDFs and
organisations that submitted their documents timeously.
Contact persons for WSP, ATR, SSP enquiries:
Name e-mail Contact number(s)
Shaheen Buckus [email protected] (011) 547-2774 / 081 037 2671
Pumlani Xaba [email protected] (011) 547-2775 / 082 893 4204
unathi Ndamoyi [email protected] (011) 547-2777
Evodia Makhaliva [email protected] (011) 547-2779
Sizwe Dlamini [email protected] (011) 547-2600
Khutso Mohale [email protected] (011) 547-2778
05
MQA NEWS • FIRST QuARTER 2013/14
new Faces and sTaff movemenTs
administrators
managers
Mokgubi Phasha, Regional Manager: Free State
Herman Mankga, Regional Manager: Limpopo
Jacob Moasa, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager
Sithembiso Gamakhulu, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager
specialists
Nonceba Singiswa, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
Khongisa Mngoma, Projects Specialist
Boitumelo Mametse, Human Resources Manager
Refiloe Mahlatsi, Learning Programme Administrator
Bonginkosi Khuzwayo, Projects Administrator
Charlotte Mashia, Bursary administrator
06
MQA NEWS • FIRST QuARTER 2013/14
“firsT-come-firsT-served”On 1 April this year, the MQA officially introduced its
“first-come, first-served” strategy for discretionary grant
allocations. This move is a change from the standard
application-based process for the disbursement of
discretionary grants. The strategy has been incorporated
into the MQA’s Funding Policy which stakeholders can
consult and is available on the MQA website. This process
will be used as a pilot aimed at assisting employers to
claim grants for the following priority learnerships:
• ABET Grant
Two targets have been set for this project. The first
target is for 8 800 learners to be enrolled in the
Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) learning
programme while the second target is for 4 400 learners
to successfully complete the ABET learning programmes
including the MQA Level 1 qualification. The MQA will
support the first 4 400 learners that successfully
complete these programmes.
the following requirements must be met for the
grant to be paid:
o The learners must have successfully completed the
ABET learning programmes;
o Learners must have completed the external
assessment for ABET 1, 2, 3 and 4;
o The first 4 400 learners must have successfully com-
pleted both learning areas of the ABET learning pro-
gramme and their details must have been captured
correctly on MQA-I-Share as per the Funding Policy
requirements; and
o Learners who have successfully completed one
learning area will also qualify.
• OHS Representatives Grant
The target is for 5 000 learners to successfully
complete the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
skills programme as per the Funding Policy. The first
5 000 learners to successfully complete the programme
and whose assessments have been approved by the
ETQA unit will qualify for the grant. All queries can be
forwarded to e-mail: [email protected].
• Learnership (artisan and non-artisan) Grants
The target for non-artisan learnerships is 1 500
unemployed and 1 500 employed learners who must be
registered during the 2013/14 financial year. The target
for artisan learnerships is 1 500 unemployed and 1 000
employed learners who must also be registered during
the 2013/14 financial year.
the following requirements must be met:
o The first 1 500 unemployed and 1 500 employed
learners registered for the MQA’s non-artisan learner-
ship will qualify for the grant. This excludes diamond
processing and jewellery manufacturing learnerships.
o The first 1 500 unemployed and 1 000 employed
learners registered on the MQA’s artsian learnership
will qualify for the grant.
• HDSA Development Project
The target is for 130 learners to be registered for relevant
programmes. The first 130 learners that will qualify
for this grant are those registered with the relevant
accredited training institutions. Proof of registration must
be submitted to the MQA via e-mail: [email protected].
• Learnerships for People with Disabilities
The target is for 100 learners with disabilities to be reg-
2013-14 discretionary grant allocations
07
MQA NEWS • FIRST QuARTER 2013/14
istered. The first 100 learners in the category “learners
with disabilities” that are registered on the MQA’s non-
artisan learnership will qualify for the grant.
• ABET Practitioner Project
The target is for 100 learners to complete the ABET
Practitioner Programme as per the requirements indicated
in the MQA Funding Policy. The first 100 learners who have
successfully completed the programme will qualify for the
grant. Proof of successful completion must be submitted
to the MQA via e-mail: [email protected].
• Mine Environmental Control (MEC) Project
The target is for 100 employed learners to complete
the programme. The first 100 learners to successfully
complete the programme will qualify for the grant. Proof
of successful completion must be submitted to the MQA
via e-mail: [email protected].
• FLC Learners
The target is for 500 learners to complete both learning
areas. The first 500 learners to successfully complete
both learning areas of the programme will qualify for the
grant. Proof of successful completion must be submitted
to the MQA via e-mail: [email protected].
• Artisan Aides/RPL
The target is for 500 learners to complete the artisan
aide programme or an artisan or non-artisan programme
through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.
Learners must be registered on the MQA-I-Share system
for these programmes. The first 500 learners to receive
certificates by the ETQA unit for these programmes will
qualify for the grant.
• Minerals Beneficiation
Two targets have been set for this project. The first
is for 200 learners to register for the MQA’s Jewellery
Manufacturing and Diamond Processing learnerships.
The first 200 learners registered will qualify for the
grant. The criteria and grant rules for this project can
be found in the Funding Policy.
The second target is for 50 learners to be registered
for the MQA’s Jewellery Manufacturing and Diamond
Processing skills programme. The first 50 learners to
receive certificates by the ETQA unit for the programme
and who have provided the MQA with the necessary
details as per the Funding Policy will qualify for the grant.
Stakeholders are advised to contact the MQA immediately
should they experience any difficulty capturing their
learners on MQA-I-Share. Targets that have been
achieved for each project/grant will be communicated on
a monthly basis. Support for learners over and above the
MQA target will depend on the availability of funds.
The MQA, in partnership with Engenius, has developed
material for promoting engineering as a profession
to primary, high school and FET college learners. The
material includes a DVD with animated material, a
brochure about various engineering career fields and a
learner activity pack that encourages learners to solve
engineering related problems.
The programme is meant to simplify engineering and
to show learners how solving problems can help
shape their future. The aim of the project is to make
engineering interesting and attract more learners to
this exciting career path.
Engenius is a nationally coordinated programme, initiated
and supported by the Engineering Council of South Africa
(ECSA). The entire project is done in collabora-
tion with engineering partner organisations in
order to promote the profession.
On 27 June 2013, regional managers,
members of the project and customer
service and communication units par-
ticipated in an Engenius workshop
where members were encouraged to
serve as role models and
inspiration to learners.
engineering as an exciTing career opTion
08
MQA NEWS • FIRST QuARTER 2013/14
The MQA held its Foundational Learning Facilitator pilot
programme recognition event on 5 April 2013 at the
Turfontain Race Course where 67 achievers of the Phase
3 group received awards.
The Foundational Learning Facilitator is an occupational
qualification that comprises Foundational Communication
in English (FC) or Foundational Mathematical Literacy
(FML). It is aimed at facilitators and trainers who are
responsible for learning delivery programmes in either
FC or FML or practitioners who themselves are planning
or are engaged in occupational training.
The MQA, in partnership with its stakeholders, conducted
three phases of the pilot programme where more than 136
practitioners from mining accredited training providers,
training consultant and FET colleges participated.
This occupational qualification is aligned to the OFO-
listed occupation 2233, Training and Development
Professional and comprises a total of 72 credits, with
the majority of these pegged at NQF Level 5. The
MQA identified the SA Board of People Practice (SABPP)
to act as a pilot Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) for
the programme.
The aim of this curriculum is to:
• professionalise the training function by improving the
status of those who facilitate learning in an industry
or trade context;
• begin a process for the on-going professional develop-
ment of occupational education and training prac-
titioners in order for these individuals to follow a
defined career path;
• build and maintain the quality of foundational
learning, given the important role it has to play in
occupational training as the competence of facilitators
is key in this regard.
To achieve occupational competence, three learning
components are required:
• Knowledge and theory
• Practical skills
• Work experience
The MQA has received positive feedback on the pilot
programme and is proud to announce that other
QCTOs are now also in the process of registering the
qualification. The appointment of a Development Quality
Partner (DQP) and an Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
is also in process.
“We congratulates all the achievers of this programme
and wish them well on their career development path,”
Mr Mukhari said.
For more information about the programme, please
contact Robert Mukhari on e-mail: [email protected].
Foundational learning competence Facilitator pilot programme
acHievers receive recogniTion
Mr Robert Mukhari, ETQA Manager awarding an achiever with a certificate.
09
MQA NEWS • FIRST QuARTER 2013/14
09
The MQA is in the process of appointing a new service
provider to replace the current Management Information
System (MIS) referred to as MQA-I-Share developed
by Deloitte. MQA-I-Share was introduced in 2009 to
create a seamless process for registering learners and
tracking their progress on various learnerships and skills
programmes. There were numerous challenges that
stakeholders experienced on MQA-I-Share and the MQA
has taken a decision to source a service provider that will
develop a more efficient system.
The MQA is in the process of
revamping its current website
which has become a key com-
munication platform for the MQA
and its stakeholders. The website has also grown to
serve as a fundamental source of information.
The design and functionality are outdated as the website
hasn’t been updated since it was developed in 2003.
Over time the website’s system has become slow and
A tender process was followed to source a service
provider to develop and maintain a new MIS. Companies
that met the requirements were short-listed and site
visits conducted to their premises to assess their
capacity and ability to provide the required system.
The new MIS project is expected to commence in July
2013 based on the appointment of a successful service
provider. There will also be a handover period between
the service providers. All stakeholders will be advised
on changes that can be anticipated.
system change – THe mqa To repLace cUrrenT mis
the mQa website Under consTrUcTioncumbersome due to the amount of information that is
constantly being uploaded onto the system.
An overhaul of the current website is therefore needed to
accommodate the growing needs of the MQA and to keep
abreast of the latest technologies available to serve the
changing communication needs of its stakeholders. The
website will have a new look and will be much more user-
friendly and easy to navigate. Stakeholders will be kept
informed about the progress of the revamp.
pneuma Jewellers prodUces rare diamondsPneuma Jewellers held its graduation ceremony in
Midrand on 31 May 2013 for learners who had been
placed in one of the MQA’s internship programmes. It
was a special occasion when learners who had completed
their internship for jewellery manufacturing training
received their certificates at Pneuma Jewellers.
Pneuma Jewellers has a consistent track record with a
success rate of 98% of placed graduates obtaining the
national certificate in goldsmith and diamond mounting
on first attempt and obtaining full time employment after
the internship programme.
There is a shortage of well trained artisans especially
from historically disadvantaged backgrounds and Pneuma
Jewellers is one of the providers that assist with bridging
this gap and contributing to job creation. Pneuma Jewel-
lers assists students with company placements after their
completed training and the quality of the training provid-
ed ensures that the industry employs qualified and highly
skilled artisans in the Jewellery Manufacturing sector.
Pneuma Jewellers would like to thank the MQA for its
continued support.
MQA NEWS • FIRST QuARTER 2013/14
10
On 6 March 2013, the MQA presented the united Cerebral
Palsy Association of South Africa with a R10 000 cheque.
Members of the executive committee who accepted
the donation on behalf of the organisation expressed
their appreciation and delight. The donation was made
after the MQA received a request for assistance from
the organisation.
The united Cerebral Palsy Association is responsible for
providing people living with this disability with quality
nursing care and stimulation in the form of creative
occupational therapy, aqua hydrotherapy, speech
therapy, physiotherapy and stimulating visits and outings
to places of interest.
Merle Clark, Customer Service and Communication
Manager and Amanda Masilo, Communication Specialist,
represented the MQA during the awarding of the
donation after which the MQA team was shown the well-
kept and neat facilities and interacted with some of the
patients. Although most of the patients could not express
themselves verbally they did show some emotion and
mQa donates r10 000 To UniTed cerebraL paLsy
associaTion
made affectionate sounds to communicate. “It was such
a heartwarming experience for me to visit the facility and
give a hug to a patient who truly appreciated it”, said
Amanda Masilo.
The CEO of the organisation was overjoyed about the
visit and the donation. “The organisation mostly depends
on donations for its survival so this donation means so
much to us – words cannot even begin to express my
gratitude for what the MQA has done,” she said.
The united Cerebral Palsy Association of South Africa
is situated in Johannesburg. The organisation became
the third beneficiary of the MQA’s Corporate Social
Investment (CSI) programme following the Orlando
Children’s and the Amazing Grace homes.
The MQA was hoping to plan a visit to the home on
18 July 2013 to give some workers a break on Mandela
Day however they were unable to accommodate the MQA
as only limited numbers of individuals are allowed to
interect with the patients.
Ms Merle Clark (top) and Ms Amanda Masile (above) showing some love to the patients.
Ms Merle Clark, Customer Service and Communication Manager and Ms Amanda Masilo, Communication Specialist with the UCPASA representatives.
MQA NEWS • FIRST QuARTER 2013/14
11
The MQA participates in various career exhibitions
during the year to help promote careers in the mining
and minerals sector. The aim of its participation is to
ensure that learners are equipped to make informed
engineering career choices.
Previous research has shown that most learners have
very little knowledge when it comes to the various
engineering fields. The MQA therefore decided that
career exhibitions are an ideal platform to educate
and create awareness around the mining and minerals
sector. Not only do the exhibitions help learners with
their decision making process, it also helps them to
the mQa participates in career exhibitions
Date event Province area Venue targetNumber of people
april
12 AprilYear of the Artisan
Eastern Cape
Mthatha Mbizana Youth
23 AprilInterSETA Satellite Launch
Northern Cape
upingtonNorthern Cape Rural FET College
Youth
May
8-10 MayKimberley Career Expo
Northern Cape
KimberleyMittah Seperepere Convention Centre
Youth 3 000
10 MayYear of the Artisan
Free State Qwa Qwa Maluti FET College Youth
20-24 MaySci-Bono Engineering Week
Gauteng JohannesburgSci-Bono Discovery Centre
Youth 1 500
16 MayJB Marks Career Expo
Limpopo SekhukhuneSekhukhune FET College
Youth 2 000
31 MayDHET Visit to Eastern Cape
Eastern Cape
BizanaBizana Methodist Church
Youth
June
5-7 June Jobs Fair Mpumalanga eMalahleni Civic TheatreYouth and unemployed
900
7 JuneYear of the Artisan
Western Cape
Atlantis Mitchells Plain Youth
26-28 June Jobs Fair Mpumalanga NelspruitEnhlanzeni Disaster Management centre
Youth and unemployed
350
better understand the requirements needed to obtain a
bursary to pursue engineering as a career.
In most of these expos, learners are not aware of
the opportunities that are available in the mining and
minerals sector and it was clear that there are many
misconceptions about the sector. Learners were given
the opportunity to ask questions with regards to work
placement after completing their qualification. During
one of the exhibitions it was requested that the MQA
creates an sms system where learners can interact with
the MQA about bursaries and learnerships as not all
attendees have access to the Internet.
The MQA participated at the following events between April-June 2013:
To HeLp eqUip and assisT Learners
