Day: February 2, 2024

Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Deputy Minister Buti Manamela, has emphasised the importance of the WorldSkills Competitions saying that they hold immense value for young people.

‘By participating in these competitions, they not only showcase their skills but also gain exposure to international standards and best practices.

‘The experience gained at these competitions is invaluable and can shape the future trajectory of their careers. Therefore, we must continue to support and promote the participation of our young people in such events,’ Manamela said on Thursday.

The Deputy Minister was speaking during the opening of the WorldSkills South Africa National Competition at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Durban International Convention Centre (DICC) in KwaZulu-Natal.

The WorldSkills Conference is taking place under the theme ‘Skills Change Lives’.

World Skills South Africa has biennial national competitions where students from Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges and Universitie
s of Technology compete in various artisan trades.

This year, students will participate in 21 different skill areas and the winners will represent South Africa at the World Skills International competition in Lyon, France in September 2024.

The Deputy Minister said the department’s responsibility extends beyond the organisation of events and competitions.

‘We are committed to improving the quality of apprenticeship and artisan training across the board. We recognise the importance of providing the necessary support to ensure the production of highly skilled artisans who can contribute meaningfully to our economy.

‘To achieve this, we are working towards aligning our training programs with industry needs. We are constantly evolving our curriculum to ensure relevance and responsiveness to changing market demands.’

Government is also implementing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the quality of training provided by higher education institutions.

He added that the post-school education a
nd training system is required to respond to the needs of the economy and the labour market through imparting skills.

This is done in collaboration with various stakeholders such as Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges, organised business, organised labour, and many other stakeholders.

Last year, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande launched the National Plan for Post-School Education and Training (NPPSET).

Launched in September 2023, the NPPSET showcases government’s continuous effort towards achieving an improved, transformed, expanded, responsive and articulated post-school education and training.

Manamela also highlighted the importance of effective coordination and collaboration among all stakeholders.

‘It is through our collective efforts that we can overcome the challenges and harness the opportunities posed by skills development.

‘Let us continue to work hand in hand, leveragin
g each other’s strengths to create an environment that is conducive to the growth and success of our apprenticeship and artisan development initiatives,’ he said.

Support

In preparation of the WorldSkills International Competition taking place in Lyon later this year, the Deputy Minister said the department has taken robust measures to support the competitors throughout their journey.

He said the department’s foremost plan is to provide comprehensive support to competitors as it is understood that proper training and skill development play a pivotal role in achieving success at such competitions.

‘Therefore, we have planned a series of initiatives to enhance skills development within our participating teams. To begin with, we will organise workshops and training sessions led by industry experts and experienced professionals for our national competition winners.

‘These sessions will focus on honing the technical skills of our competitors and preparing them for the challenges they will face in Lyon. Our go
al is to equip them with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in their respective fields.’

He further encouraged everyone to actively participate in fruitful deliberations throughout the conference, sharing their valuable insights and experiences.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport says it has learnt of the passing of internationally renowned jazz artist Anthony ‘Tony’ Cedras.

Cedras passed away on 29 January 2024 after a battle with emphysema.

In 2022, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport bestowed the Ministerial Legacy Award on Cedras in recognition of his outstanding achievements and contribution to South African music and jazz in particular, during the pre-democracy era.

Born in Elsies River, Cape Town, Cedras was a sought-after session player who toured the world as part of the Graceland Show Band, and before that, as a member of the Amandla Cultural Ensemble in exile.

After initially touring South Africa, Cedras relocated to Gaborone in Botswana in the early 1980s.

There, he met trombonist and band leader Jonas Gwangwa. Gwangwa was the musical director of the Amandla ensemble, which Cedras joined, travelling not only in Africa but also in Europe, Canada and Brazil.

While working with Amandla, Ced
ras spent time in London, where he connected with other South African artists who were part of the expatriate South African music scene.

He moved there in 1985 and soon formed the group Kintone.

Later, while Cedras was working in Zimbabwe, Hugh Masekela recommended to Paul Simon that Cedras could provide valuable musical input into Simon’s Graceland project.

The renowned musician toured with Simon between 1987 and 1989 and then from 1990 to 1992 with Simon’s Born at the Right Time tour.

Cedras worked extensively with Masekela and Miriam Makeba. He also toured with Harry Belafonte in 1993 and Henry Threadgill in 1994.

Western Cape MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport Anroux Marais said: ‘The Western Cape government, and I personally, want to express our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of Tony Cedras. He will be sorely missed, but his sound will live on, He was a true jazz legend’.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Eskom is rolling out its load limiting project – aimed at optimising electricity consumption – across Gauteng following the project’s successful implementation in Fourways, Johannesburg.

According to the power utility, load limiting aims to better balance the supply and demand of electricity during Stages 1 – 4 of load shedding.

‘Through load limiting measures during Stages 1 to 4 of load shedding, customers’ electricity capacity will be reduced from 60/80 Amps to 10 Amps. This will allow customers to continue with the minimal use of electricity for essential appliances such as lights, TVs, Wi-Fi routers, fridges and security systems.

‘An hour before the start of load shedding, Eskom will prompt customers to reduce their consumption to 10 Amps by sending a message to their cellphone. The system will provide the customer with four opportunities to reduce their consumption. Thereafter, if the load has not been reduced, the meter will automatically switch off the electricity supply for 30 minutes before supp
ly is restored,’ Eskom said.

The next areas where the project is due to be implemented in Johannesburg are Buccleuch, Kelvin, Paulshof, Marlboro, Sunninghill and Waterfall, where customers use smart meters.

‘The initiative focuses on select customers with smart meters, as these have the technical functionality to be controlled remotely.

‘The power utility urges all its customers with compatible meters, where load limiting will be implemented, to support the initiative, which ensures that they continue to have electricity for the duration of load shedding.

‘The success of the project depends on the partnership between Eskom and the cooperation of customers, and their willingness to reduce their electricity consumption to below 10 Amps,’ Eskom said.

Source: South African Government News Agency