April 2014 - Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Seta

FP&M SETA
News
Issue 9
April 2014
FP&M SETA
FP&M SETA Discretionary Funding
Windows open early this year!
Closing Date: Friday, 16 May 2014
Contact Details
Gauteng:
Forum 1B, 2nd Floor,
Braampark Office Park,
33 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001
P. O. Box 31276,
Braamfontein, 2017
Tel: 011-403 1700
Fax: 011-403 1718
Western Cape:
3rd Floor, West Wing,
Palms Centre, Sir Lowry
Road, Woodstock,
Cape Town, 7925
P.O. Box 351,
Woodstock, 7915
Tel: 021-462 0057
Fax: 021-462 0039
Kwazulu-Natal:
rd
3 Floor, Umdoni Centre,
28 Crompton Street,
Pinetown, 3601
P.O. Box 935,
Pinetown, 3600
Tel: 031-702 4482
Fax 031-7024113
E-mail: info@fpmseta.org.za
Website:
www.fpmseta.org.za
The FP&M SETA has opened its Discretionary grant funding applications windows on 1 April 2014 and
applications must be submitted by Friday, 16 May 2014. The FP&M SETA Board decided to bring
forward the opening of the discretionary grant funding windows in order to afford applicants the opportunity to better align their mandatory and discretionary grant planning processes and to commence with the implementation of their approved projects with effect from July 2014. This decision
was motivated by the FP&M SETA Board’s approval of a new business model developed by the FP&M
SETA CEO, Ms. Felleng Yende.
The new FP&M SETA Business model aims to streamline the organizational structure and processes of
the FP&M SETA to allow for increased efficiencies, effectiveness and economy resulting in a more
productive organisation that is goal driven and able to deliver on time and to standard on its commitments as set out in the Annual Performance Plan.
This new approach to the discretionary grant application process is a step towards improved productivity and a better understanding of the FP&M sector’s skills development needs and priorities.
FP&M SETA discretionary grants are being made available to promote skills development for employees so that meaningful programmes of workplace skills development can be implemented and to assist
unemployed people to gain access to skills development opportunities and the world of work. The
grants are targeted to address national priorities as set out in NSDS III and sectoral priorities as identified in the FP&M SETA Sector Skills Plan (as informed by the FP&M SETA Scarce and Critical Skills
List).
The 2014/15 discretionary grant categories have been designed to achieve the targets that have been
agreed on between the FP&M SETA and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
and are as follows:
· Bursaries for FP&M sector related undergraduate and post-graduate programmes;
· Apprenticeship Grants for employed and unemployed learners;
· Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Grants /
· Skills Programmes for employed and unem-
· Work Experience Grants for unemployed
· RPL Grants for assessment of learners based
Internship Grants for public FET/HET graduates;
graduates
· Learnership Grants for employed and unemployed learners;
ployed learners in technical, management,
entrepreneurship and scarce skills areas;
on the recognition of prior learning principles
and methodology
· Adult Education and Training Grants;
Funding for SPECIAL PROJECTS is available for:
Co-operatives / NGOs / CBOs / NLPEs • SMMEs and Small BEE Firms • Public FET / HET Partnerships • Labour Unions • Industrial Sector Skills Development Priorities, including RPL/Projects addressing rural development • Projects directed at designated groups (youth, women and people living with
disabilities)• New Venture Creation Projects • HIV/Aids Awareness • Career & Vocational Guidance
Discretionary Grants (Cont)
Contact Details
Levy paying firms are reminded that their discretionary grant applications should be aligned
to their PIVOTAL plans submitted as part of their mandatory grant applications.
The discretionary grant application forms and guidelines can be obtained from the FP&M
SETA website www.fpmseta.org.za. Please follow the link from our HOME PAGE.
Applications MUST be submitted using one of the following options:
· Online via the FP&M SETA Management Information System (MIS) (required supporting
documents to be scanned and uploaded to the MIS).
· Hard copy applications (available from www.fpmseta.org.za) submitted on the standard
FP&M SETA application forms (required supporting documentation attached).
A signed copy of the application with supporting documentation must be submitted to the
relevant regional office via post / courier or hand delivery.
Important to note
¨ All grant applications are subject to the policies and procedures as determined by the
FP&M SETA Board.
¨ All grant applications are subject to approval by the Board.
¨ The allocation of funding will be informed by the FP&M Sector’s scarce and critical skills
needs in order to facilitate industry growth.
Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and
North West
Contact Persons: Ansie Nagel
Physical Address: Forum 1b, 2nd floor,
Braampark Office Park, 33 Hoofd Street,
Braamfontein, 2001
Postal Address: P O Box 31276,
Braamfontein, 2017
Tel: 011-403 1700 | Fax: 011-403 1718
E-mail address: AnsieN@fpmseta.org.za
Kwazulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and
Free State
Contact Person: Leigh Hayes
Physical Address: 3rd Floor, Umdoni
Centre, 28 Crompton Street, Pinetown,
3600
Postal Address: PO Box 935, Pinetown,
3600
Tel: 031-7024482 | Fax: 031-7024113
Discretionary Grant Applications for all Discretionary Grant Funding Windows must be
received by your nearest FP&M SETA Regional Office by 14h00 on Friday, 16th MAY
2014 . It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the applications are delivered by the
closing date and time as stipulated above. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
FP&M SETA turns workplace into
a training space
JOHANNESBURG
OFFICE:
E-mail address: LeighH@fpmseta.org.za
Western and Northern Cape:
Contact Person: Alan Taylor
Physical Address: 3rd Floor, West Wing,
Palms Centre, Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7925
Postal Address: PO Box 351, Woodstock, 7915
Tel: 021-462 0057 | Fax: 021-462 0039
E-mail address: AlanT@fpmseta.org.za /
JudyP@fpmseta.org.za
Front (from left to right):
Musawenkosi Mphande,
Kgaogelo Leseka, Kenneth
Molapo, Godfrey Hlongwani
and Tshegofatso Chuma
Middle (from left to
right): Mathapelo Makomene, Rhulani Nhubunqa,
Khanyisa Binca, Katlego Siko,
Matlou Mpati, Musa Masingi,
Simangele Nhlungwani ,
Moses Mothapo and Joyce
Mahlaule
Back (from left to right):
Devon Arendze, Zacharia
Might, Lonwabo Mbayi,
Vukosi Ntuli
The FP&M SETA has lead by example by
opening its workplace to 32 FET graduates
to gain work integrated learning experience.
These interns, who graduated in various
disciplines including HR, Finance, Marketing
and Business Administration, have been
placed in the FP&M SETA’s offices in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town and are
working alongside FP&M SETA staff who
are mentoring the interns for the duration
of their internships (which range from 12 to
18 months).
The placements resulted from partnerships
between the FP&M SETA, Central Johannesburg College, Elangeni College and the
South African Graduate Development Association (SAGDA).
DURBAN OFFICE:
Front (from left to right): Nomtha
Nxumalo, Nontobeka Cele, Zama
Ngcongo, Samke Maphumulo
Back (from left to right): Khanyi
Nkosi, Nhlaka Dlamini, Mthoko
Khambule, Sne Dlamini, Mxolisi
Mdlului, Nosipho Masikane
Page 2
The FP&M SETA would like to challenge employers in the FP&M sector to follow suit
and to provide work integrated learning opportunities to graduates from public higher
and further education institutions in order for them to gain the necessary work experience to complete their quaifications. Discretionary grants are available on application
to employers willing to accommodate graduates in work integrated learning initiatives.
CAPE TOWN OFFICE:
Ayabulela Pinzie and Siyabulela Ncangayi
FP&M SETA NEWS
The White Paper for Post School Education and
Training—from a SETA perspective
The White Paper for Post School
Education and Training that was approved by Cabinet on 20 November
2013 sets the scene for the postschool education and training system
to be achieved by 2030. The White
Paper envisages the establishment of a
single, coordinated post-school system
with more inclusive access, improved
capacity and quality provision that
responds to the needs of learners,
employers in both public and private
sectors and the community.
The post-school system comprises all
education and training provision for
those who have completed school,
those who did not complete their
schooling, and those who never attended school and the document details the role of all institutions that
form part of the system i.e. public and
private higher and further education
institutions, adult learning centres,
SETAs, the National Skills Fund (NSF)
and regulatory bodies responsible for
qualifications and quality assurance i.e.
the SAQA and the Quality Councils.
Partnerships
An important aspect of the new postschool system will be a stronger and
more cooperative relationships between education and training institutions and the workplace.
The Department of Higher Education
and Training (DHET)’s highest priority
remains the growth of the public
Technical and Vocational Education
and Training (TVET) colleges
(formerly FET colleges). Partnerships
between TVET Colleges and employers to facilitate the placement of students for work-integrated learning on
completion of their studies will contribute to the DHET’s objective that
TVET colleges should become
“institutions of choice” for school
leavers. Colleges will also benefit from
regular interaction with employers as
they will gain access to information on
current developments in industry and
industry skills development needs.
The university sector supports the
concept of an integrated post-school
system and some universities have
already entered into partnerships with
other post-school institutions, particularly TVET colleges. It will also be
important for universities to foster
relationships with employers in order
to facilitate the expansion of work
placement opportunities.
The role of the SETAs
SETAs will have an important role to
play in promoting linkages between
colleges / universities and industry
thus forming the bridge between education and the workplace.
The design of vocational training interventions such as apprenticeships,
learnerships and internships requires
close cooperation between education
and training providers and employers
and SETAs have a crucial role to play
in facilitating such workplace learning
partnerships between employers and
the educational institutions.
The SETAs and the NSF will have their
roles simplified and their capacity will
be increased to fulfil their core functions. SETAs will focus on skills development of people employed in industry and the development of a skills
pipeline to facilitate access to such
workplaces. SETAs will focus their
efforts on liaising with stakeholders in
the workplace, establishing their skills
needs, and ensuring that providers
have the capacity to deliver against
these.
The NSF will be responsible for skills
development aligned to national development strategies and priorities and
providing funds for government strategies such as youth programmes,
growing small businesses and cooperatives, and rural development. It will
also fund research and innovation that
is not confined to a particular sector.
The DHET will implement a central
skills planning system through the
establishment of a planning unit to
develop a national skills planning system. SETAs will supply sector-specific
data as input to the national central
planning process and will test scenarios that emerge from the research
with key stakeholders. The research
compiled by the central planning unit
will be used by the SETAs and the
DHET to compile skills development
plans in order to meet skills demand.
SETAs currently pay mandatory grant
to employers on submission of workplace skills plans and annual training
reports. The focus of the SETA mandatory grant (20%) will be on the collection of accurate sector skills data.
In order to qualify for the grant, companies will be expected to submit one
comprehensive document annually,
which will include information on the
skills profile of employees, training
undertaken in the workplace, and
short and medium term skills needs.
SETAs will fund training through their
discretionary grant processes. The
grants will be allocated to existing
enterprises and will be used towards
the training of both existing workers
and potential new entrants to the
labour market. Training could be delivered by public or private training
providers or even in-house training
centres, provided they have the capacity to provide all or substantial parts
of qualifications. The SETAs and the
NSF will fund skills development capacity in public education and training
institutions using their discretionary
funding. SETAs must show alignment
between the funds they spend and the
objectives in their strategic plans.
The National Skills Authority will be
restructured and will focus specifically
on monitoring and evaluating the
SETAs.
The NQF and the Quality Councils
The structure of Quality Councils will
remain largely unchanged, but individual Councils will have greater flexibility to quality assure qualifications on
NQF levels from which they were
previously restricted.
Ensuring articulation of qualifications
(or mobility between qualifications) is
essential to ensure that institutions
avoid unfair and irrational barriers to
acceptance and credit transfer. All
institutions in the post-school system
must work together to ensure that
there are no dead ends for learners.
Conclusion
The White Paper sets out a vision of a
transformed post-school system which
is an integral part of the government’s
policies to develop our country and
improve the economic, social and
cultural life of its people.
The system will be integrated in such a
way that the different components
complement one another, and work
together to improve the quality, quantity and diversity of post-school education and training in South Africa.
Page 3
The Workplace From an Intern’s Perspective
Experiencing Best Practice
Article submitted by Sabelo Zuma, an Intern in the Forestry Industry,
regarding a field trip to PG Bison’s North East Cape Forests
On the 14th & 15th November 2013 members of the Forestry
Industry Training Providers Association (FITPA) were invited to
spend the day at PG Bison’s North East Cape Forests by Nadine
Wells who is based at their Training and Development Centre.
The group also included Lenny Paltu from the FP&M SETA and
myself, Sabelo Zuma, an intern in the Forestry Industry, doing my
work experience at Mondi. PG Bison arranged the accommodation for all the attendees and Stihl provided a mini-bus to enable
everyone to travel together. It was really amazing to see an industry so well knit together and working with such unity.
On arrival at the NECF Training & Development Centre, we were
privileged to be welcomed by Mr Peter De Wet, the General
Manager. During his welcoming presentation, he shared the processes that PG Bison was engaging in around the Eastern Cape
Province and the events that lead to PG Bison’s establishment in
the province. It was interesting to note how the company was
giving back to the community in terms of employment and skills
development as well as their sourcing strategy (sourcing half of
their infrastructure locally). It was really amazing to discover that
PG Bison had built 100 (3 bedroom) houses for their staff and
that these houses were built from wood instead of bricks or
blocks. In the midst of the spending involved in developing the
PG Bison Ugie Cluster, it was amazing to note that the company
could still create jobs and employ more than 3,800 people (direct
& indirect) and a further 2,700 during the construction phase.
The message that came out strongly from Mr De Wet’s address
was that the company has established itself not by taking away
from the community but rather from giving to the community and
creating reciprocal relationships. This company clearly is not
functioning in a vacuum. It is working hand in hand with the communities, local businesses and institutions as well as the Eastern
Cape government. This was clear from the company’s adoption of
a local school, their investment in a local clinic as well as the companies continued investment in education and skills development
by means of bursaries and the training centre. If more corporates
adopted this approach, the country would certainly be a better
place. The philosophy of PG Bison NECF is really commendable
and certainly encompasses the spirit of “Ubuntu”.
We were also fortunate to have Nomvuyo Mehlo, who is the
Liaison Manager at NECF, telling us more about the two afforestation projects which PG Bison assisted by providing management, administration and technical support. It was really impressive to note that PG Bisson offered these services to developing
growth projects in its proximity. What really amazed me was
that the company has offered these services simply because of the
anticipation that these two projects will supply timber to PG Bison in future. I consider this to be perhaps one of the best business strategies I have come across in a while!
I was also very fortunate to meet the Cattle Manager at NECF
and had the privilege of hearing her explain what her function
was. I was really surprised that a forestry organisation invested in
cattle farming for the sake of long-term, cheap and natural labour
to maintain access into the plantations simply by the cattle walking
through the plantations and trampling the slashed materials. This
was really a lesson learnt on my part and a major eye opener.
This is real evidence that there are alternatives to mechanisation
in the forestry industry!
One of the biggest highlights for me was to visit the nursery and
to see the work being done there. To see how much progress
Phindile Ndawonde – Mondi, Franko King – College for Machine Operators (CMO), Nicky Naidoo – SAFCA, Steve Van Wyngaard –
Kwamahlati Training Services, Ashley Diack – Kwamahlati Training Services, Pam Naidoo – SAFCA, Nadine Wells – PG Bison NECF, Janie
Brooks –CMO, Lenny Paltu – FP&M SETA, Sabelo Zuma – Mondi
and recovery has taken place after the devastating snow storms
which caused serious damage to the nursery a few years ago.
It was really encouraging to see the nursery manager so optimistic
about his seedlings and the equipment that is used, as well as how
pleased he was with the new infrastructure which was specifically
designed to mitigate the effects of future snow storms. It was
amazing to see the amount of effort and attention to detail that is
required to ensure that the very best seedlings go out to be planted in field so as to produce the best trees possible. In keeping
with sustainability, it was good to see that such large organisations
still considered the environment and tried as much as possible to
preserve our most precious natural resource by building their own
water reservoir.
The team and I were also taken to the Fire Detection Centre
which is where they monitor all the plantations in case of a fire
threat. The sophistication of the equipment was really commendable. Their equipment takes away the need for them to have
watchtowers for smoke detection. From a safety perspective, this
is really an incredible transition.
Our trip ended off with a visit to the Ugie Board Plant and taking a
tour through it from the point of debarking the timber to the
finished product. This tour was really interesting in that we had an
opportunity to see raw material become something beautiful such
as a coated counter top. It was really interesting to see the processes that the timber goes through to produce the finished product.
As a young professional starting off in the forestry industry I am
really grateful to have had the opportunity to attend such a field
day. This has been a real eye opener for me as well as a learning
experience that I may never have due to the nature of my work. I
commend what PG Bison NECF is doing on the sustainable business front, but also in terms of community development and upliftment.
I will never forget this experience and the discoveries I made during this trip. I even considered a change in careers just so that I
can get out there to do things similar to those the PG Bison staff
that I came across was doing. I wish to thank Pamela Naidoo, the
chairperson of FITPA for affording me (and Phindile) this opportunity. With leadership such as yourself and the rest of the board,
I am confident that FITPA as an organisation will grow from
strength to strength and will also add value to the industry by
equipping people like me by affording us such exposure. I trust
that the new FITPA board and chair person shall continue on the
great standard you and the current board have set. Thank you!
Page 4
FP&M SETA NEWS
2014 Design Indaba Retrospective
Article submitted by Nomfundo Madlala,
a graduate from the DUT Fashion Design
Department
"Being a designer I was very excited to
be afforded the opportunity by the
FP&M SETA and the Cape Town Fashion Council to experience the Design
Indaba 2014. The Design Indaba,
which covered many aspects and activities from the fashion and accessories
to creative and industrial design, music, film and technology, was held in
Cape Town from 28 February – 2
March 2014.
Being from Durban, I was excited to
embark on my very first trip to Cape
Town on invitation of the Cape Town
Fashion Council to work as part of
their team during a weekend internship. My tour at the Design Indaba
involved working backstage during the
fashion shows as well as visiting the
different stalls at the Expo, as assigned
by the Cape Town Fashion Council.
My main duty was to assist backstage
with dressing models for all the fashion shows which ran from Friday to
Sunday, showcasing the best fashion
designers in the country, mainly from
Johannesburg, Durban and Cape
Town. The line-up included the likes
of Dax Martin, Thula Sindi, Craig Port
and David Tlale who was scheduled to
close the show on Sunday. Working
backstage has enlightened me on the
different aspects that make up a fashion show which included proper
pressing of the garments, ensuring
models are dressed according to specific instructions and within the specified timeframe. I realized that there
was much more involved in getting a
good quality show together than what
meets the eye!
After the fashion shows I had the
chance to make my way into the stalls
and experience the works of different
designers (creative, craft, clothing,
furniture, textiles, jewelry, footwear
and industrial) who displayed an explosion of innovative ideas that served
as a perspective which could be applied even in fashion. Altogether the
Expo and the Conference that were
held proved to be very insightful and
informative as it enlightened me on
the various trends with a key focus on
colour, form, shape and function
which enabled me to elevate my design aesthetic.
My experience was further enhanced
by the beauty of Cape Town and its
picturesque vegetation which also
Nomfundo Madlala working behind the
scenes at the 2014 Design Indaba
inspired my instincts.
Moreover, during the Design Indaba I
got the chance to inter-act with other
designers and gather information as
we exchanged ideas and concluded on
future collaborations. When I visited
the Western Cape Furniture Initiative’s stall, I was informed of their
Jigsaw design competition which in its
sixth year, challenges designers from
all fields to submit design entries for
innovative and functional lighting. The
prize is a mentorship with established
designers. I will definitely participate in
this challenge as I believe this will
broaden my creative thinking as I will
design with a lighting perspective in
mind.
In addition, I was also excited to learn
about the Design Indaba’s “Emerging
Creatives” category which allows
young up and coming designers to
have their own stalls, whilst cultivating
and developing them through imparting knowledge on how they can establish their own businesses and brands.
Therefore this will be a platform for
me and other emerging designers to
get to market, exhibit and sell their
merchandise and services to the public
at the Expo in 2015.
In conclusion this experience would
not have been possible without FP&M
SETA. Therefore I would like to express my gratitude to them for granting me this opportunity (for organising
the flights, accommodation and as well
as for arranging my tour at the Design
Indaba). This has been a huge stepping
stone towards fulfilling my career
prospects as an established fashion
designer in South Africa.
Learning the ropes at
the FP&M SETA
Page 5
Article submitted by Samke Maphumulo, an intern at
the FP&M SETA
I studied to become a Management Assistant at
Elangeni FET College which was an 18 months
course. I passed all my modules which was great
because I obtained all my certificates for N4, N5
and N6. All that was left was to complete my
internship.
Believe me, there is nothing more stressful than
looking for a company that
would be willing to host
you as an intern after you
have completed your
course. During my N6
year, lecturers motivated
us to start seeking for
placement opportunities to
complete our internships.
Samke Maphumulo
Trust me it was not easy applying and getting no reply, travelling up and
down town, going in and out companies but no
one willing to take you.
Mr Mihlayonke Buthelezi from our Elangeni FET
College’s Central office held an induction at the
KwaDabeka Campus and he advised us to submit
our Curriculum Vitae (CVs) at the Central Office
in order to be considered for placement. Some of
the students submitted and some did not submit
their CVs as they were rushing to get jobs and
earn money. I believe they forgot the most important factor - that completing your internship
simply meant you will graduate and obtain your
Diploma.
After 4 months of running around looking for a
placement opportunity, I received a phone call
from Mr Buthelezi informing me that I have been
placed for the duration of my internship (18
months) at the Fibre Processing and Manufacturing SETA (FP&M SETA).
I was very excited about being placed at the FP&M
SETA but at the same time I was nervous to enter
the unknown world of work. But knowing that I
will graduate and obtain my Diploma was something that kept me going. I was warmly welcomed
by the SETA staff in their Durban Office and I
soon felt at home. At the FP&M SETA, we have
our good and not so good moments. But the
most important thing is that I am getting the experience that my College expects me to gain at
the FP&M SETA.
Being in a working environment with lots of different people helps me to understand that our
characteristics and personalities are totally different from each other and this is also preparing me
for the real world . In terms of communication,
the SETA staff treats me as part of their team
even though I am an intern and I am not treated
differently than any other member of staff.
I have specific duties and when I arrive in the
morning I know what I have to do. There are
times when I am overloaded with work and there
are times when we are not so busy. But that does
not allow me to stay away from work because I
know now that in the world of work one should
be professional and be punctual and present. I
enjoy being at the Seta and it just a pity that we
will part in a few months time. (cont on page 6)
FP&M SETA supports the
2014 Design Indaba
The annual Design Indaba Expo is South Africa’s premier showcase
of high-end design, exhibiting the homegrown wares of all the creative sectors under one roof. The 2014 event took place from 28
February to 2 March 2014 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre and the FP&M SETA was proud to be a co- sponsor
of the Cape Town Fashion Council (CTFC)’s stand at the exhibition.
The CTFC’s stand provided space to 40 local fashion designers to
showcase their work during the EXPO, via retail stands and a series of twenty runway shows, which were held over three days.
The objective was to make local fashion accessible and to provide
opportunity for the fashion designers to market their designer
goods, grow their brand and create employment in the sector. The
EXPO also provided exposure to international and local buyers and
participating designers were provided with opportunities for training, mentoring and collaboration in the weeks leading up to the
EXPO.
The FP&M SETA was represented at the EXPO by the CEO, Ms
Felleng Yende and Marketing & Communications Manager, Elmine
Baumann, who attended the EXPO on 28 February 2014.
A highlight of the Design EXPO was the announcement of the winner of the 2013/14 Jigsaw SA Furniture Design Competition which
was hosted by the Western Cape Furniture Initiative. The theme of
the 2013/14 competition which was co-funded by the FP&M SETA
was furniture design for education. Innovative entries were received during the competition and the entries of the five finalists
were showcased at the Western Cape Furniture Initiative’s stand
during the EXPO.
The winners of the competition, Jessica Stegemen and Chelsey
Albertyn from Design Time School of Interior Design, designed the
Imfundo lap desk which could easily and cost effectively be used in
rural and urban schools to alleviate the challenges resulting from
Designers featured at CTFC’s stand included Thula Sindi, Hendrik
Vermeulen Couture, SELFI, Lara Klawikowski, Jane Sews, Adriaan
Kuiters, Dax Martin, MilQ and Honey Blackeyed Susan Clothing
and Adam and Eve amongst others.
As a result of the FP&M SETA’s sponsorship, CTFC invited Nomfundo Madlala, the winner of the DUT Fashion Design Award for
Best Range in 2013 (prize sponsored by the FP&M SETA), to work
as an intern with their team during the EXPO. Not only did this
internship grant Nomfundo full access to the Design Indaba but it
also provided her with hands-on experience with regards to the
running of fashion shows, opportunity to network with established
fashion designers and a platform to showcase her own design portfolio. See Nomfundo’s article on her experience on Page 7.
The Design Indaba 2014 was attended by thousands of visitors
from across the country as well as overseas.
Learning the ropes at the FP&M SETA (cont)
I keep a timesheet and complete the logbook that was given to me
by my College regularly. In this logbook I record all the duties that I
have executed during the week. If for that week I have only
scanned and photocopied documents, I still record it in my logbook and my supervisor sign-off that against it. I also record my
check-in time and my check-out time on a timesheet. I receive a
stipend every month and it is compulsory that I submit my timesheet, signed-off by my supervisor, to the Central office on a
monthly basis in order to receive my stipend. My logbook and
timesheets will serve as proof at the end of my internship that I
have executed my duties and I have been attending work.
I have learned a lot and I am grateful to everyone at the SETA for
accommodating me, treating me well and not taking advantage of
me as an intern. I am also grateful to our College for assisting us
with finding placement and looking after us while on our internship.
We know that we can call our Central office to lodge complaints if
we feel that we are being mistreated or to get valuable advice. As
interns we were taught how to carry ourselves at a workplace, told
what is expected of us and advised not to do things that we know
are not part of our duties. Elangeni FET College and the FP&M
SETA have been very supportive and I appreciate the opportunity
that has been afforded to me.
I CAN’T WAIT TO GRADUATE!!!!!!
From left to right: Lianel Ackerman (finalist), Calvin Baytop (finalist), Jessica
Stegeman (winner), Bernadette Isaacs (WCFI), Nicky van Aardweg (finalist), Africa
Melane (MC), Wynand van Dam (finalist), Neo Moetsi (finalist) and Terry Miles
(Chairperson of the WCFI)
Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
Celebrated in KZN
The Department of Higher Education and Training,
Office of the Premier in
Kwazulu-Natal and SETAs
active in the province
celebrated the successful
implementation of Work
Integrated Learning on
Friday, 4 April 2014 at the
Umgungundlovu FET College in Pietermaritzburg.
The event was attended
Interns undergoing their work experience at
by approximately 2,000
the FP&M SETA in Durban attended the WIL
FET College graduates
Launch at Umgungundlovu FET College.
who were placed in internships in private companies and government departments across the province. The interns were addressed by the Minister of Higher Education and
Training, Dr. Blade Nzimande, who praised the graduates for successfully completing their FET studies and further persisted by
entering internships in order to receive their diplomas. Dr.
Nzimande also thanked the companies and government departments for granting the interns the opportunity to gain valuable
work experience.
Page 6
FP&M SETA NEWS
Message from the CEO
1 April 2014 has marked the start of the
2014/15 skills development year which
brings with it many new opportunities for
the FP&M SETA and sector.
For the first time since the introduction of
SETAs in 2000, firms are required to submit
their mandatory grant applications by 30
April. The new timelines as set out in the
Grant Regulations published in December
2012, have been introduced in order to
facilitate better alignment between skills planning processes at firm level
and sectoral and national skills planning activities. It is envisaged that
the earlier submission of workplace skills plans will facilitate meaningful
analysis of firm level information for inclusion in the FP&M SETA annual
Sector Skills Plan Update.
The new Discretionary Grant Funding model (see page 1) is a further
step in our efforts to better align planning activities in the FP&M Sector
and to allow more time for effective project implementation. The new
discretionary grant model will also make provision for an “open funding
window” that will allow for the submission of strategic sector project
proposals throughout the year as well as a separate bursary funding
window which will be opened during August/September.
Sappi awards top
PROTEC students
Page 7
PROTEC’s brightest sparks were recently recognised for their
achievements during a high tea held at Durban’s Royal Hotel.
Sappi Southern Africa has been supporting PROTEC – a programme for the advancement of technological careers – since 1995
and this year decided to sweeten their support by making special
financial awards available to Matriculants who had achieved distinctions in Mathematics and Physical Science during the 2013 exams.
Learners at the Mandeni, Stanger, Umkomaas, Pietermaritzburg and
Nelspruit branches of PROTEC were eligible to receive R10,000
per subject distinction to be used for further tertiary studies of
their choice at a DHET recognised university or university of technology.
In total, 27 learners from the five Sappi-supported branches
(Pietermaritzburg, Umkomaas, Stanger, Mandeni and Nelspruit)
qualified to receive the awards, with 14 of them earning double
distinctions in both Mathematics and Science, bringing the total of
Sappi’s contribution towards furthering their studies to R410,000.
A separate event was held in Mpumalanga to award the recipients
who qualified at the Nelspruit PROTEC branch.
The new submission date for Discretionary Grant Applications is
16 May 2014 and applicants are urged to submit their applications
without delay via the Discretionary Grant Module accessible via our
website: www.fpmseta.org.za.
The new Discretionary Grant Funding model forms part of the new
Business Model which was developed to enhance SETA performance
across all processes and increase service delivery to all FP&M stakeholders. Its implementation will result in the decentralization (to the Regional
Offices) of some of our operations, particularly those related to the
implementation of regional discretionary grant projects and the management of payments relating to these projects. The model also makes
provision to increased the capacity of the FP&M SETA’s financial department.
The proposed business model was presented to sector stakeholders
during Strategic Stakeholder engagement sessions held in March 2014
in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg and was widely supported by
the delegates. The business model was approved by the Board at the
end of March for implementation with effect from 1 April 2014.
A further outcome of the Stakeholder Engagement Sessions was the
identification of a need for more effective information sharing between
the thirteen sub-sectors and the SETA in order to enhance the quality of
the FP&M SETA Sector Skills Plan. The SETA is currently engaging with
industry organisations in order to facilitate the information exchange and
I will visit a number of best practice manufacturing entities and training
centres during May and June to obtain first hand information on manufacturing processes implemented in the FP&M Sector.
In this newsletter, we have featured articles submitted by interns who
have shared their experience on working in the FP&M Sector. This is a
reflection of the FP&M SETA’s commitment to support Work Integrated
Learning initiatives in the sector. The FP&M SETA has taken the lead on
this by opening its doors to 32 interns at its offices in Johannesburg,
Cape Town and Durban. The placement of the interns at the FP&M
SETA offices is the result of partnerships between the FP&M SETA,
Central Johannesburg College, Elangeni College and the South African
Graduate Development Association (SAGDA). We are proud to say that
the interns have adapted well to their working environment and are
contributing to the overall productivity of the organisation.
Felleng Yende
The PROTEC Achievers celebrate their success and the financial awards received
from Sappi during a high tea held in Durban on 31 January 2014.
Annually, Sappi accepts applications from potential bursars with
preference given to PROTEC applicants, but Sappi was not able to
make any bursaries available this year. This was a disappointment
to many learners, especially those who had excelled.
Chris Gengan, Sappi’s Learning and Development Manager in KZN,
approached the FP&M SETA in this regard and the FP&M SETA
awarded six three-year bursaries for learners to study in fibre processing and manufacturing related fields.
The recipients of the full three-year bursaries from the FP&M
SETA, were Kevalin Pillay (BSc Chemical Engineering), Lunthando
Zondi (BSc Electrical Engineering), Kitesh Sookdawe (BSc Mechanical Engineering), Shtembiso Mthenjwa (BSc Mechanical Engineering)
and Anya Aylward (BSc Electrical Engineering). The 6th bursary will
be awarded in the second semester.
Ms. Elmine Baumann, Marketing and Communication Manager of
the FP&M SETA, attended the event and commended the learners
on their excellent academic achievements despite difficult circumstances.
She also expressed appreciation to Sappi and PROTEC for their
efforts in assisting and motivating the learners. She said that it was
through partnerships between organisations such as Sappi and
PROTEC that the FP&M SETA was able to extent its reach to people in rural communities such as the communities where the learners hailed from. She congratulated Sappi for realizing the potential
of the learners and investing in their futures, giving them the opportunity to enter the FP&M sector with a relevant knowledge and
skills set.
Ndimase Trading goes above and beyond
On 21 November 2013, the CEO of the FP&M SETA, Ms. Felleng Yende, attended a graduation ceremony in Randfontein, Gauteng, hosted by Ndimase Trading. The purpose of the event was to hand over
certificates to 168 unemployed learners with disabilities who successfully completed skills programmes
under tuition of Ndimase Trading, an FP&M SETA accredited provider.
During 2012/2013 discretionary grants were allocated to Ndimase for 16 unemployed learners to be
trained on a Skills Programme in Cabinet Making at NQF Level 2. These 16 learners formed part of the
cohort of learners with special needs from across the country that were rewarded for their perseverance and that were handed certificates during the graduation ceremony.
The force behind the project
Ndimase Trading is owned and managed by Zanele (Maureen) Dumakude, a school principal with 10
years’ experience, who recognised the plight of learners in special schools. Zanele had a vision to assist special needs learners by giving them an
opportunity to develop skills that will afford them some options when they exited the formal schooling system. She wanted to help the learners
who fell victim to society and ended up with limited employment opportunities and who were depended on social grants as their only income.
Zanele provides accredited training to the learners with disabilities so that they can apply for jobs in industry with a certificate that proves that they
have completed a recognised qualification and have acquired relevant manufacturing skills.
The Learners
The learners that participated in the training conducted by Ndimase Trading attended special schools (for mentally and physically disabled learners)
in several provinces inter alia Eastern Cape (Mount Ayliff and Umtata), Limpopo (Seshego and Bela Bela), Mpumalanga (Lydenburg), Gauteng
(Soweto, Marlboro, Mamelodi East, Kagiso and Carltonville) and Kwazulu-Natal (Newcastle, Pietermaritzburg, Mandeni, Tugela Ferry, Vryheid,
Ladysmith and Nkandla).
The majority of the learners that participated in the skills programmes were enrolled at the schools but in some cases unemployed youth that already left the school, were given the opportunity to join the programme. The learners’ parents contributed R150 per learner for them to participate in the skills programmes which were conducted at the school premises during school hours.
The programme
The skills programmes conducted by Ndimase Trading during 2013 included furniture making
(woodwork and upholstery), garment making, general goods manufacturing (belts), footwear (sandals)
and screen printing.
Zanele approached special schools and arranged with the schools to present the skills programmes at
their premises during designated periods. This made it easier for the learners to attend the classes as
additional transport arrangements were not required and the schools were already geared to accommodate the special needs of their learners.
The training was conducted from February to November 2013 as learners with special needs require
more time to master the required skills.
The Facilitators
Zanele appointed 13 facilitators (teachers) to conduct the training in the different regions. The facilitators indicated that they have experienced a
number of challenges during the implementation of the training programmes which included inter alia language barriers, inadequate equipment
(especially computer equipment); working with mentally and physically disabled learners that could not equally participate in all activities; working
with the parents in order to get them to assist their children at home; and the level of computer literacy of learners.
Despite the challenges, the facilitators were all very positive about the impact that the programmes had on the lives of the learners and their communities.
Impact of the programme
The project had a positive impact on the communities from which the learners hailed. In most cases, it changed the mindset of the community
about the learners from the special schools as they came to recognize that the skills that they acquired were unique and useful. The community
supported the learners by buying the products that they have produced and some local businesses and local municipalities submitted orders for the
goods produced by the learners.
According to Zanele, the project also had a positive influence on the learners as some learners have started their own businesses and some learners were given work placement opportunities within government departments and the private sector e.g. learners that completed the sewing programme in Ladysmith were placed at Durban Overall.
For Zanele, the highlight remained the fact that she gave the opportunity to these special learners to obtain a recognised qualifications. She also
praised the parents for giving their children the opportunity to graduate.
The Ndimase Trading skills programmes are currently continuing in all the regions.
The FP&M SETA has recognised the efforts made by Ndimase Trading and has allocated a further R738,000 from its 2013/14 discretionary grant
fund towards learnerships (16 grants), skills programmes for rural development (30 grants) and skills programmes aimed at people with disabilities
(10 grants).
The CEO of the FP&M SETA, Ms. Felleng Yende, is confident that partnerships such as this one between the FP&M SETA and Ndimase Trading will
contribute positively towards the FP&M SETA’s mandate to make skills development accessible to learners with disabilities and those from rural
areas.
Page 8
FP&M SETA NEWS