GEORGE NEWS - An expanded public works programme (EPWP) delegation consisting of national and provincial officials visited the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) during June.
The aim of the two-day visit was to learn more about the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) model and to investigate the possibility of replicating the Skills Mecca concept in other parts of the country.
On the first day, representatives from GRSM and the GRDM EPWP section accompanied the delegation on several site visits to training centres in the area that support the GRSM.
Delegates visited Cheeba Africa, Africa Skills and François Ferreira Academy where they were given thorough insights into each facility and the type of training provided. Through several Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) grants and EPWP programmes, learners have entered the job market after completing courses at the training centres they visited.
The second day was reserved for engagement. GRDM executive manager of Planning and Economic Development Lusanda Menze gave an overview of the municipality and its growth and development strategy, and GRSM coordinator Dr Florus Prinsloo gave a comprehensive overview of the GRSM model.
Tsholofelo Pooe of national EPWP presented on the EPWP training framework and possible linkages to the Garden Route Skills Mecca.
From left are GRDM executive manager of Planning and Economic Development Lusanda Menze, Cllr Stephen de Vries, Sasseta CEO Thamsanqa Mdontswa and Sasseta chairperson Chris Mudau.
Memorandum of understanding discussed
On the second day, Chris Mudau and Thamsanqa Mdontswa of the Safety and Security Seta (Sasseta) joined the delegation. They presented on, among others, Seta's mandate, skills development levy (SDL) breakdown, and strategic scope. Sasseta's sub-sections and constituencies include policing, corrections, justice, defence, intelligence activities, legal services, and private security and investigation activities.
There are 17 SDL contributors in the Garden Route among who are law firms and security companies. It is for this reason that Sasseta and GRDM will enter into talks to establish a memorandum of understanding that will see closer cooperation with GRSM.
The two-day delegation visit was concluded with a visit to Calitzdorp Hot Springs where a security training centre has been established through formal partnership between BM Skills Development (a Sasseta-accredited training provider) and the GRDM.
Delegates are given a tour at François Ferreira Academy.
Delegates engage on the second day of the visit.
Everybody together at the Africa Skills Ntaka Campus.
Delegates after their tour at François Ferreira Academy.
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