This year, HWSETA made strides in shaping the future workforce and fostering critical partnerships. For HWSETA, 2024 was a year of Inter-SETA collaboration, a strong youth focus and recognising graduates who will go on to serve our country in areas of scarce skills.
HWSETA attended numerous career exhibitions to showcase the range of career options available in the health, social development as well as the veterinary sectors.
Aside from our opportunities to connect with learners about making informed career choices, we also held workshops with employers.
To kick off the year, HWSETA held workshops across all provinces between January 2024 and February 2024 for employers to submit their Annual Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Reports (ATR). Employers submit these documents to obtain their skills development points on their BEE scorecard.
EXCITING INTER-SETA COLLABORATION
SETA collaboration is vital in driving South Africa’s skills development agenda, as demonstrated by various initiatives this year. In April, HWSETA joined the SETA Skills Summit hosted by the Department of Higher Education and Training, alongside 20 other SETAs, to address unemployment through strengthened partnerships with TVET colleges. Former of Minister of Higher Education and Training, Science and Innovation, Honourable Dr. Blade Nzimande emphasised SETAs’ critical role in reducing unemployment, bridging the gap between education and employment, and addressing skills mismatches to build a capable workforce that aligns with labour market needs.
Then in July, this spirit of collaboration was showcased during the Inter-SETA Mandela Day initiative at Mason Lincoln Special School in Umlazi. HWSETA joined hands with other SETAs and collectively the SETAs contributed over R6 million in resources and skills to support the school’s 400 learners with disabilities. Efforts included classroom renovations, kitchen equipment donations, and pledging interns to assist with operations. These initiatives reflect how SETAs not only address sector-specific skills gaps but also uplift communities, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable development and social impact.
ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION FOR RURAL LEARNERS
This year saw HWSETA build on the Siyakhulisa Mentorship Programme. The programme identifies 90 top-performing learners, from remote areas, who benefit from hands-on mentorship while at high school and thereafter receive funding for their tertiary studies.
In September this year, HWSETA held an exciting three-day Siyakhulisa Mentorship Camp to provide tutoring and wellness support to the learners who are part of the programme. The students from all provinces attended the camp in Gauteng for intensive yet fun sessions. Throughout the three- day camp, the learners had sessions on stress management as well as career plannings. They also practiced their presentation skills and did mock interviews to boost their confidence. The camp also included Maths and Sciences sessions, which were led by expert tutors. The goal of the camp was not only to assist the learners in maintaining their excellent Maths and Sciences results, fostered social skills to help make the transition from school life to university life simpler.
SCARCE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
In May, HWSETA had the honour of being part of the graduation ceremony for close to three hundred phlebotomy and medical technology graduates who took part in Phlebotomy Technician Learnership. Phlebotomy is the art of drawing blood to obtain blood samples for analysis and diagnosis, whilst medical technicians are responsible for utilising technologies that identify a disease or its cause, to treat or improve a person’s health and wellbeing.
Then in early December this year, 10 students graduated as Laboratory Animal Technologists through HWSETA’s funding. Laboratory Animal Technology is a scarce skill
that plays a pivotal role in animal research of communicable diseases and is essential in the study of pathogens and experimental designs of animal models that help
prevent outbreaks. These new graduates will help restore a vital role within the animal research sector.
Through our efforts in 2024, we continued to prioritise skills development and career development opportunities for young South Africans. HWSETA remains committed to driving meaningful change and empowering the next generation to build a brighter future for all.