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Outdated training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However, the theoretical content of most trades is so outdated and out of synchronisation with what’s happening on the factory floor, that we can’t wait much longer.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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