Programme Director,
The Deputy Director General of the Department of Higher Education and Training,
Members of the MQA Board,
The Chief Executive Officer of the MQA,
The Management of the MQA,
Stakeholders representing different mining houses,
Stakeholders representing different labour organisations,
Beneficiaries of various MQA learning programmes,
MQA staff members,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Ladies and gentlemen, we have come to the conclusion of the two-day Mining Qualifications Authority’s Mining Skills Lekgotla for 2023.
On behalf of the MQA Board led by Mr David Masiza, the Chairperson, Management and Staff, I am honoured to once more stand before you all and extend my heartfelt appreciation for your attendance and participation throughout the past two days.
Firstly, I would like to thank our panellists and commission speakers who have offered us many thought-provoking and insightful discussion points over the course of these two days; to the commission facilitators for guiding and managing the breakaway sessions; to the moderators for reviewing and providing direction of the discussions and the related interactions amongst the attendees.
Most importantly I would like to thank you all for attending this inaugural Mining Skills Lekgotla, a first of future summits, and for your participation and providing us with inputs and ideas without which this event would not have been the success that it is.
Our gratitude also goes to our colleagues from the various labour organisations that were represented, for their messages of support towards the vision the Mining Qualifications Authority holds for the sector.
Our employers’ representatives’ message of support was also exceptionally well received and embraced.
Programme Director, it has been quite enlightening to be part of the proceedings. And thank you for your time, for your vigorous input throughout the two-day programme, and for ensuring that today’s activities are kept under control and reasonably on time.
It was also an honour to have in our midst all the Senior Officials from both the Department of Higher Education and Training and the Department of Mineral Resources and energy, for the empowering and demonstratable show of support for this summit. We value the guidance and partnerships with the two departments and are confident of enhanced ongoing collaborations to achieve a progressive mining and minerals sector.
My appreciation also goes to the Chief Executive Officer of the Mining Qualifications Authority, Dr Thabo Mashongoane, for delivering a Lekgotla that has set the stage for better and future-looking engagements and for the excellent work done regarding the advancement of this crucial dialogue, which aimed to introduce innovative solutions tailored to the sector’s requirements.
I am certain it is this passion for excellence that will continue to foster support from and partnerships with our esteemed stakeholders as the MQA continues facilitating quality learning delivery through its various programmes and interventions.
Programme Director, ladies and gentlemen, to host an event of this calibre and magnitude is something that cannot be achieved overnight. It requires planning, commitment, and a bird’s eye for details. We at the MQA have been very fortunate to have an inspiring team of motivated and dedicated staff who are results-orientated and judging by the success of the event, rose to the occasion.
I cannot thank every staff member enough for their involvement and their willingness to take on the completion of tasks beyond their comfort zones!
In closing, I believe that the expected outcomes of this event and objectives were realised through the numerous discussions centred on various areas of interest such as research and the advancements of technology in the sector; the role of small-scale mining and beneficiation; the status of South Africa’s jewellery industry; and the impetus of the District Development Model in ensuring support for mine community and unemployed youth development., The groundwork is already being laid to provide a blueprint that will map out the trajectory towards the goals and objectives of the NSDP 2023 and beyond.
Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join us for a light lunch and networking session.
Please travel safely to your different destinations. And thanks to all our stakeholders who were joining us on our streaming platform for your robust participation.
We look forward to engaging with you again at our next Mining Skills Lekgotla.
Thank you.