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As Vaccine Demand Falls, US States Left With Huge Stockpile

As demand for COVID-19 vaccines collapses in many areas of the U.S., states are scrambling to use stockpiles of doses before they expire and have to be added to the millions that have already gone to waste.

From some of the least vaccinated states, like Indiana and North Dakota, to some of the most vaccinated states, like New Jersey and Vermont, public health departments are shuffling doses around in the hopes of finding providers that can use them.

State health departments told The Associated Press they have tracked millions of doses that went to waste, including ones that expired, were in a multi-dose vial that couldn’t be used completely or had to be tossed for some other reason like temperature issues or broken vials.

Nearly 1.5 million doses in Michigan, 1.45 million in North Carolina, 1 million in Illinois and almost 725,000 doses in Washington couldn’t be used.

The percentage of wasted doses in California is only about 1.8%, but in a state that has received 84 million doses and administered more than 71 million of them, that equates to roughly 1.4 million doses. Providers there are asked to keep doses until they expire, then properly dispose of them, the California Department of Public Health said.

The national rate of wasted doses is about 9.5% of the more than 687 million doses that have been delivered as of late February, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday. That equates to about 65 million doses.

The problem is not unique to the U.S. More than a million doses of the Russian Sputnik vaccine expired this week in Guatemala, because nobody wanted to take the shot.

Vaccination program managers say that tossing out doses is inevitable in any inoculation campaign because of the difficulty in aligning supply and demand for a product with a limited shelf life.

But the coronavirus pandemic has killed nearly 6 million people and shattered economies across the globe, and every dose that goes to waste feels like a missed opportunity considering how successful the vaccines are in preventing death and serious disease.

It also comes only about a year after people desperate to get the vaccine attempted to jump in line to get ahead of those deemed higher priority. Hospital board members, their trustees and donors around the U.S. got early access or offers for vaccinations, raising complaints about favoritism and inequity at a time when the developing world had virtually no doses.

And many poorer nations still have low vaccine rates, including 13 countries in Africa with less than 5% of their population fully vaccinated. T hey are plagued by unpredictable deliveries, weak health care systems, vaccine hesitancy and some supply issues, although health officials say inventory is markedly stronger than earlier in the pandemic.

In fact, supplies are so strong that the CDC now advises doctors that it’s OK to discard doses if it means opening up the standard multi-dose vials to vaccinate a single person and the rest has to be tossed.

“Pivoting to what’s happening now, you have much more production and distribution to low-income countries,” said Dr. Joseph Bresee, who directs the COVID-19 Vaccine Implementation Program at the Task Force for Global Health in Decatur, Georgia. “The issue of some stockpiles in the U.S., Germany and Japan, that are not redistributed to sub-Saharan Africa, it’s less of an acute problem now because vaccine production and distribution is in high-gear right now serving those low-income countries.”

The Department of Health and Human Services also said that redistributing states’ excess doses to other nations is not feasible because of the difficulty in transporting the shots, which must remain cold, in addition to not being cost effective because of the relatively small number concentrated at sites.

Of the more than 687 million doses sent to states, 550 million to 600 million have been administered, HHS said Monday. The vaccines authorized in the U.S., made by Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, can last for up to about six months from the time of manufacture.

A senior HHS official familiar with vaccine distribution plans took issue with the word “wastage,” saying it implies mismanagement when states are effectively overseeing their inventories. The CDC, however, uses the term “wastage” on its website and asks states to report their numbers.

The CDC said Thursday that the federal government, jurisdictions and vaccine providers have a strong partnership to get as many people vaccinated as possible while reducing vaccine wastage, and that the likelihood of leaving unused doses in a vial may increase as demand slows, even when providers continue to follow best practices to use every dose possible.

The fading demand comes as the pandemic itself wanes in the U.S. On Thursday, the CDC said about 90% of the U.S. population lives in counties where the risk of coronavirus is posing a low or medium threat — meaning residents don’t need to wear masks in most indoor settings. That was up from 70% last week.

The average number of Americans getting their first shot is down to about 70,000 a day, the lowest point since the U.S. vaccination campaign began in December 2020. About 76% of the U.S. population has received at least one shot and roughly 65% of all Americans are fully vaccinated.

With demand so low, states will undoubtedly be confronted with more waste in the months ahead, although they will benefit from any booster expansions.

Idaho, for example, has 230,000 doses on hand but is only averaging fewer than 2,000 doses administered a week.

Oregon’s vaccination rate is slightly higher than the national average, but the health authority there said last week that they have “significant excess vaccine on hand” because of the recent drop in demand. The state is trying to use up as many of the 716,000 doses in its inventory as possible.

Rhode Island has the highest percentage of residents who are fully vaccinated in the nation, at slightly more than 80%, but the health department reported having 137,000 doses on hand last week. Health officials say they need them for a big push to increase the vaccination rate for booster doses.

Health officials in some states have developed “matchmaker” programs to connect vaccine providers with excess doses with providers seeking doses. Many said they’re attempting to redistribute doses with expiration dates that are quickly approaching. New Jersey has a task force that has transferred more than 600,000 doses around the state since June. West Virginia has offered to transfer Pfizer adult doses to nearby states.

Immunization managers have been asking for single-dose vials, especially for pediatricians, but it may not work for manufacturers to package it that way yet, said Claire Hannan, executive director at the Association of Immunization Managers. She said wasting vaccine “just can’t be an issue.”

“We tell this to providers, but the most important thing is getting people vaccinated. And that’s hard when the demand goes down. You don’t have constant flow,” she said. “But that’s just a necessary evil I guess.”

HHS said states are ordering prudently, paralleling the drop in demand. The minimum order for Pfizer used to be nearly 1,200 doses but now it’s 100, and Moderna reduced the number of doses per vial, the agency said.

“Given what we’ve seen in terms of the number of people still unvaccinated, I do think finding any way to get the shot in arms, even at the expense of potential wastage, is still important,” said Katie Greene, an assistant research director at the Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy.

Source: Voice of America

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Police launch manhunt for two suspects after a woman was gang raped

FREE STATE – On 4 April 2021 at about 04:30 a 20-year-old woman was walking home from a traditional ceremony with her boyfriend when they were attacked by two unknown men. The woman was allegedly dragged to a nearby open space at Kgotsong Bothaville where she was raped at knifepoint by the two suspects.

The incident was reported at Bothaville Police Station where a case of rape was registered.

The case was assigned to Lejweleputswa District FCS for further investigation. The identikits of the suspects were compiled and residents are requested to assist the police in tracing them.

Should anyone have information leading to the arrest of these suspects, Detective Sergeant Nomthandazo Mtengwane of Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit can be contacted at 073 3381 143 or Crime Stop at 0860010111.

Source: South African Police Service

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Provincial Commissioner condemns the robbery at Mosque

NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the robbery incident in which suspects stormed into a Mosque at Kabokweni on Friday afternoon, 04 March 2022.

According to the report, about 15 heavily armed suspects driving in a white Toyota Quantum kombi stormed into a place of worship, a Mosque at Kabokweni at around 13h20. It is said that the suspects then held approximately +/- 20 worshippers at gunpoint, thereby robbing them of their personal belongings, including their cellphones. The suspects also took a car, a Toyota Corolla with registration number JRH 078 MP, belonging to one of the worshippers before they fled the scene with the robbed items.

The victims are said to have then reported the incident to Kabokweni SAPS where a business robbery case was opened. A massive manhunt for the suspects has since been launched and police urge anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspects to call Detective Lieutenant Colonel Zenzo Banda on 0823739062 or call the Crime Stop number on 0860010111. Alternatively members of the public can send information via MySAPS App. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has further made a clarion call upon members of the community to be on the lookout for suspects who will be selling stolen properties to them. “The only way to shut down the market for criminals, is to stop buying stolen goods. Therefore, the public should come on board on this one” said the General.

Source: South African Police Service

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Manchester City Announces Official Cryptocurrency Exchange Partner OKX

OKX becomes Manchester City’s Official Cryptocurrency Partner

OKX becomes Manchester City’s Official Cryptocurrency Partner

  • Manchester City and OKX have today announced a new multi-year partnership
  • The partnership will span Manchester City men’s and women’s teams, in addition to the Club’s esports operations

VICTORIA, Seychelles, March 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Premier League champions Manchester City have today announced a global partnership with the world’s second largest crypto exchange, OKX, naming it the Club’s Official Cryptocurrency Exchange Partner.

OKX’s first venture into the world of sport and entertainment, the partnership will span Manchester City men’s and women’s teams, in addition to the Club’s esports operations.

Manchester City sign with crypto partner OKX

Manchester City sign with crypto partner OKX

OKX’s fast, secure and innovative cryptocurrency exchange is trusted by more than 20 million people in more than 180 markets as a place to explore the power of crypto.

OKX and Man City believe in inspiring continued innovation, talent development and technology advancements – a key partnership alignment between both organisations.

The new partners will collaborate on a number of exclusive experiences for OKX’s global customer base, in addition to an in-stadium presence across the Etihad Stadium and Academy Stadium. The new partners will also look to explore future innovation projects together.

Roel De Vries, Chief Operating Officer, City Football Group, said: “We are pleased to welcome OKX as an Official Partner of Manchester City today as they look to venture into the world of sports. The new partnership aligns our shared values of innovation, drive for success and being at the cutting edge of our respective industries. Their broad and inclusive approach to targeting diverse audiences resonates with our approach. We look forward to working together throughout the partnership.”

Manchester City Stadium

Manchester City Stadium

“We are delighted to partner with Manchester City, one of the world’s best-loved and most successful teams. Football and crypto share something important; they are for everyone, they create inclusivity within society. For OKX, Manchester City is a Club that represents the effect football has to make a positive difference in people’s lives, to bring people together around a shared love of the beautiful game. We are entering the Premier League for the first time as City’s official crypto partner to celebrate this community spirit in the world of football because it’s something we both share,” said Jay Hao, CEO of OKX.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/99b1c268-b437-430e-a504-cf4d276df83a
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d63580c8-9c47-4baa-a5ea-93d724c69409
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2c7534e4-7252-4896-bc5a-f94f1ec6f423

Richard Kay
[email protected]
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Open Society Launches Fund for a Free and Democratic Ukraine

New York/Berlin/Kyiv, March 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Open Society Foundations today are pledging an initial $25 million to launch the Ukraine Democracy Fund and urge other funders to join us in supporting civil society in Ukraine in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s assault on democracy.

This initiative builds on Open Society’s more than three decades of work in Eastern Europe to support human rights organizations, independent journalists, and other civil society groups. The aim of this fund is to join with private foundations, philanthropists big and small, and the private sector to raise $100 million over the duration of the crisis and its inevitably protracted aftermath.

“We have one simple message: we will never abandon Ukraine,” said Alex Soros, deputy chair of the Open Society Foundations. “As Putin tries to wipe the country off the map, we will do all we can for the people of Ukraine. We urge others to step forward and join us.”

“This is a defining moment for open societies,” said Mark Malloch-Brown, president of the Foundations. “Whatever the Kremlin might say, it is clear that what Putin is really afraid of is neither NATO nor nuclear weapons, but a free and flourishing democracy on his doorstep.”

The fund will advance three goals:

  • Support for Ukrainian civil society: Since 1990, independent Ukrainian organizations have played a vital role in the country’s democratic development—from fighting corruption to defending independent media and the rights of citizens. These groups are the sinew of any healthy democracy. During the current conflict and its aftermath, the fund will continue to support this work—now more critical than ever.
  • International solidarity with Ukraine: The fund will advance international efforts to defend Ukraine’s freedom and independence, to battle authoritarianism, and to enhance international accountability efforts through credible documentation of war crimes. This will include resources for investigative journalists, artists, and scholars, as well as for research and advocacy groups who speak out for human rights and the rule of law across the region.
  • Protecting human dignity: As of today, more than one million people have been forced to flee Ukraine, and many more are displaced within the country. Additional unforeseen threats to civilians lie ahead. The fund will support humanitarian aid for those beyond the reach of other relief efforts, as well as bolstering public health work, protecting and welcoming refugees, and eventually post-conflict reconstruction.

“This has been a time of horror in Ukraine,” said Oleksandr Sushko, executive director of our Kyiv-based International Renaissance Foundation. “At the same time, I feel great pride in seeing how Ukraine, Europe, and much of the world are standing against Putin’s aggression. We will keep defending freedom and the pillars of democracy here and across the globe.”

Founded by George Soros, the Open Society Foundations are the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for justice, democratic governance, and human rights. Open Society has been working in Ukraine through the International Renaissance Foundation since 1990.

Office of Communications
Open Society Foundations 
212-548-0378
media@opensocietyfoundations.org
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Minister Blade Nzimande: Media briefing on outcomes of engagements with SETAs

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation statement on the outcome of engagements with the SETAs on their role in fighting unemployment, inequality and poverty

Programme Director Mr Ishmael Mnisi

Deputy Minister, Mr Buti Manamela;

Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nkosinathi Sishi;

Deputy Director General, Zukile Mvalo;

Other DDG present;

SETA CEOs present;

All government officials;

Members of the media;

Ladies and gentlemen

We welcome you all in this first media briefing regarding learning and training opportunities provided through the SETAs, as well as to brief media on the outcomes of the sessions I held with all twenty-one (21) Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) Chairpersons and Chief Executive Officers to deal with a number of skills development interventions in our drive to fight unemployment, inequality and poverty.

President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa in his State of the Nation (SoNA) Address 2022, amongst others, said that:

“…the Department of Higher Education and Training will place 10,000 unemployed TVET graduates in workplaces from April 2022…”

In my response to the SONA, I confirmed our commitment to ensure that the skills development system will indeed be offering about 100 000 opportunities, including but not limited to, learnerships, apprenticeships, as well as internships. We urge our young people in particular to look out for these opportunities in the SETA and other skills levy offerings.

In the meetings I had with all the 21 SETAs earlier this week, I particularly urged the SETAs to give priority to the work placement of TVET college graduates who require workplace exposure so as to complete their training and to facilitate the transition for learning to working.

Government has already spent vast amounts of money support our youth through the TVET system, and therefore it is important that we assist them to transition to workplace through appropriate placement.

I also wish to upfront call upon all employers to open their workplaces for the placement of both TVET college students as well as to give workplace exposure to TVET college lecturers, so that they teach and train in what is currently needed by industry.

The primary aim of these placement is to assist the transition of our young people from learning to working.

Today I would like to give you an account of the strategies and plans of the Ministry to give practical effect to what I have just said, also as part of realisation of the commitment made by the President in this regard.

It will be remiss of me, to assume that everybody knows the work of the SETAs in our country.

We have twenty-one (21) SETAs operating almost in every sector of our economy, a resource that something most countries in the world would wish to have.

Our SETA landscape comprises, in the main, of representatives of Organised Business and Organised Labour operating in designated sectors of the economy and public sector.

The key legislative mandate of the SETAs is defined in the Skills Development Act (Act 97 of 1998) (the SDA) as amended, in which amongst others, the SDA directs the SETAs to develop Sector Skills Plans (SSPs), reflecting the:

Profile of that Sector;

Key Skills Change Drivers;

Occupational Shortages and Skills Gaps;

SETA Partnerships;

SETA Monitoring and Evaluation; and

SETA Strategic Skills Priority Actions.

In the Sector Skills Plans, SETAs must also reflect and seek to incorporate on government priorities, especially on those to address the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality as captured in the National Development Plan.

The SETAs have subsequently developed their Annual Performance Plans (APPs) to address skills challenges in various sectors of the economy and country in general.

In my engagement with the SETAs, we also looked, amongst others, on how the SETAs have performed the past five years (2016/17 to 2020/21).

We furthermore collectively agreed on skills development interventions planned for the 2022/23 financial year, especially on those aimed at supporting the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP).

I must indicate that there is widespread agreement and commitment by the SETAs that we need to significantly expand the participation of young people in skills development programmes as well as workplace-based learning opportunities. And this has been given practical effect in their 2022/23 annual performance plans.

Our skills training interventions will also seek to support and strengthen the District Development Model which aims to improve provision of services and socio-economic development in each of our 44 Districts and 8 Metros.

Ladies and gentlemen

We note the unacceptable high numbers of young South Africans, especially between the ages of 15-24 who are unemployed at 66.5%.

About 3.4 million of the same cohort are not in employment, education and training (referred to as NEETs).

As the Department of Higher Education and Training, we have therefore increased our targets for workplace-based learning for the financial year commencing on 1 April 2022, with our annual target above 100 000 (107 000).

In addition to the 107 000 workplace-based learning opportunities (which includes Learnerships, Internships, Work Integrated Learning), for the Financial Year 2022/23, we are also targeting 20 500 opportunities for apprentices, 22 500 for artisanal trades; 31 300 for those completing learnerships and 148 000 for learners entering into various other skills development programmes, such as digital skills, crop production and plant production.

I am happy to indicate that each and every SETA in relation to the President, have committed to place no less that 500 TVET learners in various workplaces. In addition, the AgriSETA, working together with the National Skills Fund is going to focus on placement of not less than 500 work placements of students coming out of agricultural colleges and agricultural programmes offered in some of our TVET colleges.

As we speak all SETAs are finalising their Annual Performance Plans, to reflect these commitments.

Ladies and gentlemen

As you know, the year 2020 was seriously affected by COVID-19 adjusted lockdown regulations.

Our skills system own revenue dropped from our projection of R19.4 billion to R12.4 billion, as a result of the skills levy holiday for employers who contribute the 1% skills development levy.

However, our SETA system remains resilient in the midst of the challenges imposed by COVID -19 and the economic downturn.

However, we will prioritise this sector, and we will re-allocate additional funds from the National Skills Fund, with our immediate focus being on work placement of graduates in TVET N6 Hospitality and Catering Services and N6 Tourism and NCV L4: Tourism learners.

The Bank SETA has set aside R54 million for 2022/2023 to reskilling and upskilling workers in the banking sector.

I must indicate as well that SETAs will be supporting my Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) in the development of critical high-end skills in selected technology areas such as the bio economy, space science, technology energy, intellectual property management, etc.

Support would also be directed towards technical development and the artisan skills that would contribute to the commercial exploitation and social beneficiation of newly developed innovations.

Work Based Learning programmes

For the past five years (from 2016/17 to 2020/21), SETAs focused amongst others on the delivery of workplace-based learning programmes.

Through our SETAs we have created 572 345 opportunities and produced 96 317 artisans with 124 925 learners entering our apprenticeship programmes.

Though we lost much revenue in 2020/21 due to skills levy holiday and COVID-19 global health pandemic, we still registered some significant progress for the year ended 31 March 2021.

The SETAs combined, placed 44 619 unemployed into learnerships, of which over 34 710 were young people below the ages of 35 years old and over 25 550 were females at the cost of about R 1 billion.

In the same period, we placed 9 901 interns, of which 9 096 were young people below the age of 35 years old and 6 455 were females. Our SETAs spent just over R883 million in this regard.

For TVET placement, SETAs placed about 8 539 learners with females at 5 656 at the cost at the total cost of R393 million.

For the university placement, SETAs placed 5 183 learners in workplaces at the value of R300 million.

Various SETAs have shared some of their tracer studies regarding the impact of some of the SETA interventions.

I am made aware that through these tracer studies, where learners were supported with bursaries post their qualification, the job absorption rate is at about 61%.

Some other important results of tracer studies were from the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector (under ETDP SETA sector) where, for example, the bursary intervention yielded a significantly higher percentage of beneficiaries getting full time employment at about (95%), followed by Work Integrated Learning in universities of technology (UoTs) at (89% employment) and learnerships (83% employed) and TVET work integrated learning students beneficiaries being absorbed in employment at 74%, with internships leading to 63% employment absorption.

As a department, we conducted an artisan tracer study for the cohort of 19 627 artisans who passed their trade testing in the financial year 2018 – 2019.

79% of the artisans responded that they were employed in various companies whilst 2% self-employed.

Artisans produced include those urgently needed in the implementation of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) and delivered through our Centres of Specialisation (CoS) originally established to support our National Infrastructure Plan (NIP).

Approximately 80% of those who passed their trade tests during the period ended 31 March 2021, were young people under 35 years of ages.

What is more impressive is to see that on the top 10 trades where young people were found competent (or passed trade testing), were trades such as: Electrical; Mechanical Fitter; Diesel Mechanic; Plumber; Millwright; Welder; Boiler Maker; Automotive Mechanic; Fitter & Turner and Rigger which are required by our economy.

Whilst dealing with artisan development in our country, I was honoured to have been invited by the National Union of Mine Workers (NUM) on 29 April 2021 to showcase their contribution towards artisan development through their own Skills Centre called Elijah Barayi Memorial Training Centre Artisan Academy.

This academy focus on critical areas of our economy such as mining, construction, energy and manufacturing, as identified in our ERRP.

The Energy and Water SETA is already working with the union and the Skills Centre on Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) focusing on water and energy.

I am also aware of the new programme between the Academy and the Energy and Water SETA to benefit 300 learners in skills programmes and 150 in learnership.

I am happy to announce that our SETAs and the National Skills Fund committed to support this noble course.

Almost wherever I go across the country, our communities are yearning for expanded access to post school opportunities, hence the establishment of skills centres in some of localities to support skills development.

On 21 October 2021, I was in Limpopo on the occasion of sod-turning of the Sekhukhune Skills Development Centre.

We invested about R146,9-million, through our Wholesale and Retail SETA, in collaboration with the Sekhukhune TVET college.

R131 million is for the building of the Skills Development Centre; R9 million is for capacitation of informal traders and construction of trading stalls for 45 informal traders operating in the surrounding areas and R6,9 million is to construct an access road into the Centre.

We are also doing some work with the FP&M SETA at Endaleni in Richmond in KZN in collaboration with uMngungundlovu TVET College to offer the following occupational qualification, such as garment construction, furnisher making, IT, with free Wi-Fi for students, the shoe making centre of excellence and the newly established innovation hub.

The Health and Welfare SETA has a partnership with the UKZN to train lay counsellor for psycho social services in support of those negatively impacted upon by Covid 19 pandemic.

Master Skills Plan:

We have begun a process of crafting one country one skills plan (Master Skills Plan).

This process will promote a more efficient and effective mechanism for country-wide skills planning.

The master skills plan will draw on the information available in existing plans, such as the National Skills Development Plan, Human Resource Development Strategy, Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, ERRP Skills Strategy, National Plan for Post School Education and Training, SETA Skills Sector Skills Plan, Master Economic Sector Plans, and National, Provincial and Local Government Skills Plans.

NSF funding activities

For this current financial year, the National Skills Fund (NSF) in partnership with the Presidency has allocated R100million towards the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative which will benefit 4500 learners in the digital learning space.

The NSF has committed R200million to employment creation initiative between the Department of Higher Education and Training and the Department of Employment and Labour through the UIF. This project will benefit more than 5000 unemployed youth.

Quite a number of Request for Proposals have been posted in the press inviting skills development providers to participate in projects which are targeting worker education and empowerment and also assistance the community of people living with disabillties.

The total value of these project is in excess of R200million and will assist more than 2000 beneficiaries.

The NSF has finalised an important policy which will regulate unsolicited proposals (proposals initiated by the Skills Development Providers themselves) through their skills development creativity and innovation.

The area of NSF unsolicited proposals traverses and will fund a broad range of skills development providers including churches and other cultural and community development.

We have receive a lot of these proposal and they are currently being considered for due diligence purposes. The total amount allocated for the unsolicited proposals will exceed R1.5billion in this current financial year.

We estimate that this will benefit more than 20000 beneficiaries in various skills development areas.

We are also partnering with the Catholic Church through their Thabiso Skills centres and the Methodist church to provide much needed skills to communities. We further intend to partner with other faith based organisations to further our skills development drive.

Community Education and Training Colleges

Ladies and gentlemen

I will be hosting a national Summit on CET on 08-09 March 2022. This will be the first of its kind aimed at engaging with strategic partners on using our community education learning centres to massify skills programme provision. I want the Summit to also identify priorities for dedicated CET infrastructure, accreditation of programmes, lecturer capacity, partnerships and the information management systems for proper monitoring and reporting.

I am highlighting this because all our SETAs will be playing a central role in supporting our CET sector in the massification of skills development in our country especially aligned with the skills strategy.

Already our SETAs are supporting a number of skills programmes in the CET sector, including the following:

Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority (AgriSETA)(link is external) – Plant production;

Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA)(link is external) – Early Childhood Development Practitioners; Capacity Building for CET lecturing staff; and recognition of prior learning programme,

Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Fasset)(link is external) – Financial literacy and entrepreneurial development

Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FP&M SETA)(link is external) – clothing manufacturing, sewing skills programmes and learnerships, and furniture making,

Local Government Sector Educational and Training Authority (LGSETA) – Environmental practice; local economic development and leadership development,

Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA)(link is external) and SASSETA – End User Computing including for lecturing staff on use of digital technologies,

Transport Education Training Authority (TETA)(link is external) – professional driving.

We are in the process of establishing fifty-four (54) ICT laboratories (for web design, end user computing, etc) in the designated 54 pilot community learning centres nationally with funding support from the W&R SETA.

The W&R SETA is also establishing a skills centre in Reitz in collaboration with the Municipality and Local Business.

There is also work in the upgrading of qualifications for lecturers, by offering an Advanced Diploma in Adult and Community Education and Training- Teaching (Advanced Diploma-ACETT). This project is part of capacity building supported by the ETDP SETA and offered through the Durban University of Technology.

SETAs in our recent meeting with the SETAs, we concretised their support for CET colleges in the short, medium and long-term community projects.

As I conclude, I want to indicate that together with the chairpersons and the CEO’s of all our SETAs we have also agreed to fight all forms of maladministration and acts of corruption within our SETAs.

This is amongst the reason that we had to place the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) under administration. The forensic investigation into CETA is now complete and we are processing it as the Department.

I must emphasise that we will leave no stone unturned to ensure that all those who uses the SETAs for their own personal benefits are held accountable.

I must indicate that this is the principle that we have adopted as the entire Post School Education and Training sector to ensure that we run a corruption free administration.

To demonstrate further demonstrate our seriousness in fighting maladministration and corruption in the PSET, I have appointed a forensic company to conduct a full-scale forensic investigation into financial affairs of the NSF following the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) report that found that much of a total amount of just under R5 billion could not be properly accounted for over two financial years by the National Skills Fund (NSF).

In addition to the appointment of a forensic company, I have also appointed a Ministerial Task Team (MTT) to conduct a strategic review of the NSF, the general operations of the NSF, its efficiency and relevance with regards to the national skills priorities of the country.

The review includes the mandate, policy scope and analysis of NSF capacity, systems, and organisational modelling in relation to its mandate as a Schedule 3A skills levy entity.

As my agreement with President Ramaphosa, the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, will continue to train, train and train so as to skill our people, with a particular focus on youth.

We will continue to establish both national and international partners to join us in ensuring that we create the necessary jobs that our economy and our country so much need.

For further training and skills development opportunities offered by our SETA, I invite all South Africans to interact with our SETAs through their websites and that of the Department of Higher Education and Training at www.dhet.gov.za.

Source: Government of South Africa