10/11/2023: As part of a “Skills Revolution Campaign,” the EThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC) has been awarded R15 Million in funding to implement the KZN Artisan Training Programme. This comes after Moses Kotane Institute (MKI) secured R74 million from the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA) to launch a “Skills Revolution Campaign” with a focus on training and skills programme including clearing student debt in institutions of higher learning. The merSeta falls under the Department of Higher Education and Training.
According to Siboniso Duma, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs and Leader of Government Business, MKI has also secured an additional R126 million to speed up the acquisition of knowledge that will empower KwaZulu-Natal residents to create jobs and wealth over the next 30 years.
Duma declared that his department was committed to rebuilding the economy by improving people’s skills in the wake of the disastrous COVID-19 crisis and floods that decimated the economy and forced millions of people into deplorable conditions. “The focus is also to ensure their re-absorption into key sectors of our economy.” Duma said.
To sustain the Skills Revolution Campaign, the department is depending on the long-term collaboration between the eThekwini Maritime Cluster, Mangosuthu Institute of Technology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban University of Technology, University of Zululand, eThekwini Academy, and Enterprise Ilembe.
“Rebuilding efficient public service through a highly skilled workforce is also our main focus. In this regard, an integrated approach has been adopted – involving the departments of Education, Health and Public Works,” Duma said.
The acting CEO of the Moses Kotane Institute, advocate Lihle Mapipa, said they have lobbied MerSeta “to make an invaluable contribution in improving the skills development of younger people in the province”.
According to Mapipa, this is the rationale behind the fund’s efforts to reduce the skills gap and help its people reskill and upskill as part of the plan for economic recovery and reconstruction. She said that talent development is essential to both sustaining and advancing South Africa’s economic recovery and reconstruction.
“We approached MerSeta as this was in line with the key focus of the MerSeta Skills Development Fund, which is to improve the employability and productivity of the workforce, contribute to economic growth, and promote a more inclusive and equitable society.” Mapipa said.
The EThekwini Maritime Cluster Managing Director Ms Zenzile Gwamanda said that EMC was thrilled and honored to be selected as one of the funding beneficiaries for the Skills Revolution Campaign.
“This significant investment underscores the effectiveness of our strategic partnership with the Moses Kotane Institute. Together, we are committed to empowering the youth of KwaZulu-Natal with valuable skills, and this funding will play a crucial role in making a lasting impact on the maritime industry and the lives of those we aim to support. We look forward to the successful implementation of the program and the positive contributions it will make to both the local community and the broader maritime sector.” Ms Gwamanda alluded.
The campaign was launched at the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) by the Department of Higher Education and Training and attended by dignitaries from all levels of government, skills development stakeholders, MKI, vice-chancellors, rectors and CFOs, and students.