The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) https://www.qcto.org.za/  is responsible for the development of occupational qualifications, which are submitted to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) https://www.saqa.org.za/ for registration on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The 21 Sector Education & Training Authorities (SETAs) work with the QCTO, providing sector specific input to required qualifications, part qualifications, and skills programmes.

After the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup many South Africans felt that there should be a holiday to celebrate, however, as the Grade 12 examinations had started, an extra holiday would have been too disruptive. President Ramaphosa has now kept his promise to declare an extra Public Holiday in December - 

see attached copy of the Government Gazette Proclamation 143.  

What are the implications for employers?

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has given notice of the intention to proceed with protest action and to call workers and the working class to support a day of protest. The protest is in response to the difficult socio-economic conditions of workers, and is scheduled from 00h05 until 23h55 on Wednesday 29th November 2023. Please see notice attached.

The Association for Skills Development in South Africa (ASDSA) https://asdsa.org.za/ is a professional body registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) https://www.saqa.org.za/services/recognition-of-professional-bodies/ . 

The Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO) has commissioned Vulindlela Human Resource Technology to conduct a survey - requesting Skills Development Providers to contribute their experience of the QCTO services. 

Now this is the time to contribute - what is it that QCTO are doing right/wrong, what do you require, how should the QCTO be positioned for the future?

We often hear complaints about slow service, but if you don't take the time to participate, then your complaint loses credibility. 

Our congratulations go to Dr Nzimande, who has been awarded an Honorary Professorship with the Beijing Jiaotong University, in China - our Minister heading the Higher Education & Training Department (DHET) is now Professor Nzimande. 

We have received a media announcement that Minister Nzimande has seconded Mr Yershen Pillay to the Manufacturing Engineering & Related Services Sector Education & Training Authority (merSETA). We understand that although the announcement does not state the role he will play - it is as Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO). 

Eye Witness News (EWN) reports that the Pretoria High Court today (Wednesday 1 November 2023) ordered Minister Nzimande to retract his decision to place the University of South Africa (UNISA) under administration.

The timeline of events is as follows: 

A report commissioned by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) into the management of UNISA identified instances of financial mismanagement and maladministration. 

Our sister site – https://www.careersportal.co.za is reporting that the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Andile Nongogo has been dismissed. 

The National School of Government (NSG) and the University of Johannesburg (UJ) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate the secondment of academic personnel of the UJ to the NSG during their sabbatical leave.

The MoU enables UJ scholars to pursue education and research in line with the education, training and development (ETD) initiatives at the NSG for the duration of their sabbaticals.

The MOU will promote knowledge exchange and resource support, and will greatly enhance the NSG’s interventions in improving State capacity.