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GAIN Website registration information for PIFSA Members
PIFSA Members
How to register on the GAIN Website.
Outdated training
(October 2008 Print Talk)
LIKE all private and public enterprises in South Africa,
PIFSA is constrained by legislation and the bureaucratic
requirements of government and its organs.
This has resulted in frustration for our industry in several
important areas – most notably in the area of training.
The Federation’s management committee has decided to
go ahead with major changes to the content and structure of apprenticeship
training – with or without the co-operation of a SETA. We would prefer to
work within the SETA system, if only because this will ensure that our
members have access to a portion of the substantial levy payments made by
our industry.
However, the theoretical content of most trades is so outdated and out of
synchronisation with what’s happening on the factory floor, that we can’t
wait much longer.
While the Services SETA has indicated its willingness to
accommodate our members, it has been made clear by certain parties with
political influence that any attempted move will be opposed. While we can’t
ignore the realities of political power, the urgent necessity of improving
the skills and productivity of our industry makes it essential that we take
this action in the interests of our members.
SATU retirement fund withdrawals
During the course of this year the SATU Pension Fund has had
numerous requests from members for the withdrawal of their
retirement benefits.
The reason for many of these requests is an unfounded
fear that the State is planning to ‘grab’ or nationalise private
pension fund assets and compel all employees to join a State
fund.
The Minister of Finance has publicly announced that this fear
is without any basis and that, although a State retirement
fund is planned, it will not replace private retirement funding
arrangements.
The current economic environment has also caused some
industry employees to try to cash in their retirement funds
in order to fund short-term debt. While such employees may
be grateful to employers who assist them to do this now,
it’s doubtful that they will be grateful when they come to
retirement age.
The Government has threatened SARS and FSB deregistration for companies and
employers who assist employees to circumvent retirement fund rules in this
way. I would strongly recommend that members avoid the temptation to assist
employees to cash in retirement benefits from any fund. As employers and
taxpayers, we will be the ones on whose doors indigent former employees (or
SARS!) will come knocking.
CMTC feedback seminar
CROSS Media Training Centre (CMTC)
MD Nick Delport and training director
Chris Mason recently visited Durban to
give members of PIFSA’s KZN Chamber
feedback on developments concerning
technical training in the industry.
CMTC staff and PIFSA members have been
busy this year rewriting the Trade Theory notes
and redesigning the curriculum framework
for apprenticeships. Particular attention has
been paid to the make-up of the period of
apprenticeship, and a modular approach to
learning.
PIFSA KZN members who attended this
feedback session are positive about the
initiative and those employers involved in
technical training confirm that it’s essential to
upgrade the curriculum to prepare apprentices
for the technical advances that are taking
place.
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