24 November 2006
It is either misinformation or misinterpretation which led to newspaper
headlines I consider to be in bad taste about the Premiers' Offices involvement
in the preparation for the launch of the Skills Development Project. What I can
say is that I am excited by the manner in which this second phase of Strategic
Projects is managed. One of the reasons is that each project has been developed
by the Provincial Government under the leadership of the Premiers' Offices. The
projects have direct link with Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for
South Africa (AsgiSA) and Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS).
They address scarce and critical skills as identified by my department, Home
Affairs and Trade and Industry.
"At the end of the day our service delivery points should be closer to where
the people are. There should be no mischief making in this regard. Premiers'
Offices will be the key drivers of these projects and thus far I have received
their utmost co-operation. Both my office and that of the Eastern Cape Premier
are hands-on in preparation for the launch of these projects, on 2 December at
Dutywa, Eastern Cape.
What is unique about these projects is that they are sensitive to both first
and second economy. They interpret AsgiSA to day to day needs of their
communities. They cover learnerships, apprenticeships and skills programmes
ranging from Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Information and Communications
Technology (ICT), tourism, agriculture to Adult Basic Education and Training
(ABET) and co-operatives. 26 202 people will be trained and other beneficiaries
are envisaged to go beyond 300 000.
"Skills development like Occupational Health and Safety is one of the points
of convergence for all stakeholders and role players. We all stand to benefit
from working together in pursuit of the skills development agenda," said Labour
Minister Mdladlana.
Enquiries:
Van Mkosana
Cell: 082 941 4160
Issued by: Department of Labour
24 November 2006
