Workplace Challenge Programme assists 1 000 companies and saves 50 000 jobs – Mothiba
The Chief Executive Officer of Productivity South Africa (Productivity SA), Mr Mothunye Mothiba has reported that the Workplace Challenge Programme has to date assisted 1 000 companies and successfully led to the retention of more than 50 000 jobs since Productivity SA’s inception in 1998.
He also explained that the Workplace Challenge Programme was established specifically as a countermeasure to the old culture of business which isolated management from workers and stifled organisational efficiency and creativity.
Mothiba said this during conclusion of a year-long national campaign to recognise 20-years since the establishment of Productivity SA and Workplace Challenge administration, at a ceremony that took place in Kimberley, today.
“The founding principle behind the Workplace Challenge Programme is to bring management together with employees, to combine thoughts and ideas for the benefit of the organisation.
As Productivity SA we are striving to get organisations to deliver the job delivered speedily and on time, for a quality production line and to also mitigate against wastage. We request that organisations safety and in instances where productivity is competitive, we endorse that organisations celebrate the benefits of productivity equitably,” said Mothiba.
In addition, Mothiba said that the experience garnered throughout the twenty years stood Productivity SA a better chance in assisting more companies as it had consolidated enough evidence to assist all size-shaped organisations.
“Our focus going forward will be on small medium and micro enterprises (SMME) as these have been documented to be critical creators of employment in the economy. We also encourage SMMEs to join existing business formations as that is where mentorship and idea sharing takes place,” he said.
The Deputy Director-General of Special Economic Zones and Economic Transformation at the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), Mr Sipho Zikode commended Productivity SA for successfully managing the Workplace Challenge Programme.
“We are looking forward to you broadening your scope and mandate going forward and we will look to draw on your wisdom and expertise when pursuing some of our objectives. I am referring to objectives such as Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment and the impending Fourth Industrial Revolution that is upon us,” he said.
The Workplace Challenge (WPC) programme is a joint initiative of the dti and National Economic Development Labour Council (Nedlac) that is implemented on a 24-month period with the aim to encouraging and supporting negotiated workplace change to improve productivity and job creation. Productivity SA is established in terms of section 31(1) of the Employment Services Act, No. 4 of 2014 as a juristic person with a mandate to promote employment growth and productivity, thus contributing to South Africa’s socio-economic development and economic efficiency.
Enquiries:
Mr Sidwell Medupe
the dti Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
Mr Maupi Monyemangene
Media Liaison Manager; Productivity SA
Tel: 011 848 5397
Cell: 0824473232
