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SPECIAL FEATURECelebrating a smart Memorandum of Understanding. CHIETA CEO Yershen Pillay and Free StateDepartment of Education Head of Department Advocate Tsoarelo Malakoane celebrate an agreementthat will bring a Smart Skills Centre to Maluti-a-Phofung.the digital skills divide,” said Yershen Pillay, CEO ofCHIETA. “This Smart Skills Centre will ensure thatrural communities in the Free State are not leftbehind in the digital skills revolution, providingmore than 20 000 individuals with access to criticaldigital education and skills training over the nextfive years.”Each of these centres plays a pivotal role inproviding digital literacy, technical skills and industryrelevanttraining to rural communities, helping tobridge the skills gap and increase employability.“By expanding our footprint across South Africa, weare addressing both geographic and socio-economicdisparities in access to quality skills development,”Pillay added. “The Maluti-a-Phofung centre willcontinue this mission, focusing on enhancingdigital literacy and preparing the community for thedemands of Industry 4.0 and the green economy.”In addition to offering digital courses, CHIETA willfacilitate collaborations with other stakeholderswho share a vision for sustainable skillsdevelopment. These partners will be able to applyfor discretionary grants to deliver additional trainingprogrammes at the centre, ensuring its long-termsustainability and impact.“The establishment of this centre is a keycomponent of our strategy to create inclusivegrowth and job opportunities in rural areas,” Pillayemphasised. “Through this initiative, we aim toempower youth and community members with theskills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”The MoU will remain in effect for a period offive years, during which CHIETA and its partnerswill continuously assess and enhance the centre’sofferings to align with evolving industry andcommunity needs.After universityAs many South Africans are discovering, earning anacademic degree does not guarantee job security.In response to this reality, a seminar was heldin 2024 that aimed to empower postgraduates totackle the world of work. The Free State PostgraduateStudent Development Seminar was held in theBusiness School on the Bloemfontein campus ofthe University of the Free State (UFS). Hosted bythe Hokma Institute in collaboration with the BlackManagement Forum (BMF) Young Professionals,the seminar targeted raising the skills profile ofpostgraduate students, unemployed graduates andjunior employees.Speakers included academics from the CentralUniversity of Technology (CUT) and UFS, theDirector of Human Resources at the Free StateProvincial Department of Economic, Small BusinessDevelopment, Tourism and Environmental Affairs(DESTEA), representatives of Sanlam and Old MutualiWYZE and Lebohang Matlabe, the founder anddirector of the Hokma Institute. Matlabe encouragedthe audience to commercialise the output of theireconomic journey, for example in the research thatthey have done.Other topics included how to position yourselffor the work environment, the basics of anemployment contract and the possibilities of doingresearch work overseas. ■FREE STATE BUSINESS 202514
The SAIEE calls on EngineeringPractitioners in the Free StateFormed in 1909, the South African Institute of Electrical Engineering (SAIEE) has a long-standingtradition of supporting and promoting excellence in electrical engineering. As we continue to growand expand our reach, we call on all Free State engineering practitioners to join us and collaboratewith the SAIEE Free State Centre.Becoming a SAIEE member gives you access to a wide range of benefits and opportunities tofurther your career and professional development. Our 9 Centres nationwide provide a platformfor members to network with industry experts, participate in monthly lectures, and accesscareer development tools to enhance their skills and knowledge.One key advantage of being a SAIEE member is the opportunity to participate inCPD-accredited site visits, which can provide valuable insights and practicalknowledge to help you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field ofelectrical engineering. Additionally, our Centres are vital in promotingengineering studies to school leavers, mentoring students throughour student chapters, and offering access to the industry’s mostessential technical information in English.By joining forces and building a strong community of engineeringpractitioners in the Free State province, we can make a real impactand drive positive change in our industry. We invite you to jointhe SAIEE family and help us shape the future of electricalengineering in South Africa. Join us today and be a part ofsomething great!For more information, email fsc@saiee.org.zajoin us today!MembershipCorporate ForumsCPD Training AcademySkills Development9 Centres nationwidewww.saiee.org.zaDedicated to Electrical Engineering since 1909T: 011 487 3003 | SAIEE House 18a Gill Street Observatory JHB
