MQA NEWSLETTER

Editor Ms Merle Clark

Through this edition of the MQA News, the MQA once again reflects on the activities that took place within the mining and minerals sector. Stakeholder engagement events that were once anticipated as networking spaces, have now become strictly work platforms, where most of those linking in via virtual meeting platforms (Zoom, Microsoft teams, etc.), get to share their lunches alone during breaks in the comfort of their homes. The ‘new normal’ has allowed many to experience the benefits of technology in a way that they never anticipated would exist. Organisations that were strictly input focused are now learning to manage outputs using different management styles. Being a sector that is productivity focused however, the show must go on with the sector continuing to perform. The MQA has continued to support the sector in its skills development activities using technologies. Some mining houses have adapted well to the changes with Murray & Roberts seen on page 9 demonstrating that in line with the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) they have used virtual reality to their benefit. The mining and minerals sector stakeholders also met in Lephalale, Waterberg with the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Mr Buti Manamela. A hybrid workshop was held to pledge support to develop the community as well as the skills levels, in partnership with the key economic drivers in the area, namely the mining houses (see page 5). The pledge signed goes a long way to support the area. Northam Platinum Mine representatives made a much needed pledge of R1,5 million to the Waterberg TVET College, Thabazimbi Campus to show their commitment to the partnership. The Eastern Cape, one of the provinces where job opportunities are in short supply as well as skills shortages, launched a partnership between the Office of the Eastern Cape Premier, Mr Oscar Mabuyane and

the MQA for SETA funded programmes worth over R18 million. The MQA Acting Chief Executive Officer as well as some members of his executive, were present at this milestone event to support the communities, read more on the launch on page 7. The MQA has also sought opportunities to support quality assurance efforts despite not being able to physically conduct accreditation audits and other formally face-to-face only activities. Through technology, efforts have been made to streamline processes to ensure that work continues. See page 8. This edition also highlights the need for MQA’s compliance in terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act no 4 of 2013. See the disclaimer on page 11. During August and September 2021, the MQA also celebrated women, recognising the value they add to many. As a sector needing to transform by increasing the inclusion of women, our sector becomes richer with each woman that becomes active in this male dominated technical work space. The MQA also reminds all stakeholders to take note of the anonymous fraud hotline contact details, do ensure you report any criminal or corrupt activities observed. Last but not least, we share with you a great inclusion at the MQA through the new Chief Operations Officer, Dr Thabo Mashongoane. We welcomed him in our last edition, but saw it fit to get to know the man that will be more involved and engaged with many in the sector. With his inspiring curriculum vitae, we share more about the person. Read about his hard working and successful career path on page 4. Do continue reading our newsletter, and keep the news coming. Editor Ms Merle Clark

Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA)

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NOTE FROM THE ACTING CEO

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EDITOR’S NOTE 4 MEET THE MQA’S NEW CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER 5 THE MQA AND DHET SIGN A PLEDGE TO EMPOWER THE YOUTH 7 THE MQA FORMS PART OF THE LAUNCH OF THE EC SETA-FUNDED PROGRAMMES 8 THE MQA REACTS TO NEW QUALITY ASSURANCE COVID-19 CONSTRAINTS 9 LIFE ALTERING MECHANISED MINING TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR UNEMPLOYED YOUTH 11 THE MQA DEVELOPS POPIA DISCLAIMER 12 FRAUD HOTLINE DETAILS

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aCKNOWLEDGEMENTS Publisher :

The MQA

Layout & Design Editor-In-Chief

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Shereno Printers

Bethuel Nemagovhani

Editor

Merle Clark

Editorial Team

Amanda Masilo Baitse Mokiti

M I N I N G Q U A L I F I C AT I O N S A U T H O R I T Y

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