The Mining Qualification Authority (MQA) will be hosting the Inaugural Mining Skills Lekgotla event on 23 and 24 November 2023, that will also incorporate the MQA annual general meeting, led by the Chief Inspector of Mines and MQA Chairperson, Mr David Msiza, and the Chief Executive Officer of the MQA, Dr Thabo Mashongoane.

Over six hundred (600) delegates from the state, civil society, organised labour and employers from the mining and minerals sector are expected to gather for discussions guided by the theme of “Envisioning Mining Skills Beyond 2030.’’

The event aims to facilitate substantial engagement and to bring together all sector stakeholders, training providers, academics, and skills development role players to engage on some challenges and blockages experienced in the implementation of skills development interventions in the sector and find innovative ways to deal with some of the challenges that present themselves.

Furthermore, the event seeks to promote the work within the skills development sector, highlighting the functions of MQA as an authority and the central role it plays in the implementation of National Skills Development Plan 2030. Additionally, it will foster the development of strong partnerships and collaboration with mining sector industry leaders, government departments, trade unions, higher education institutions including universities of technology, TVET colleges, CET colleges, sector training providers, skills development facilitators, NGOs, CBOs, NOPs in the sector, as well as mining communities.

Among the dignitaries that are expected to attend the event are the Honourable Minister of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy Mr Gwede Mantashe, the Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Dr Blade Nzimande, organised labour representatives from the National Union of Mine Workers, the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa, United Association of South Africa, and Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union.