Training: Merseta invades Isithebe local

The Chief Executive Officer of the Merseta, Jessie Maluleke, accompanied by Numsa shop steward and Merseta national chair, Mbulelo Bara, Numsa’s training co-ordinator, Malebo Mogopodi and the Merseta regional manager recently attended a graduation ceremony at Evernu Plastics, a Numsa-organised company in Isithebe. Makhosi Zungu, Numsa Isithebe local secretary, welcomed them to her territory.

According to Lee Duval, the company’s Human Relations officer, 63 workers have benefited from a Merseta initiative to empower workers in the metal and related industries. They have completed Adult Basic Education Courses, from ABET Level 1 – 4.

Duval is ecstatic about the visible results of this training. “Reports from the factory reveal a huge improvement in communication between supervisors and their subordinates,” he says. Since commencing with the programme, he has also seen an improvement in the morale of workers. Even though workers are shift workers, management has made it a point that they all attend when required.

Sydney Nsele, one of the beneficiaries of the programme, is very proud of his achievement. He joined the company 12 years ago, having not finished matric. His first job was as a general assistant, then he became a despatcher and now he is a supervisor. “My English has improved a lot,” he says. “I can now communicate easily with management.” He emphasised that his reading and writing skills have also “improved tremendously”. He is now enthusiastic about doing further learning that will enhance his chances in life.

Meanwhile, Jay Maharaj, Chamber Co-ordinator at Merseta, says that NQF level 2 to NQF level 5 in Plastics have been registered. “Moreover, we have developed learning curricula at NQF Level 2 and NQF Level 3 for companies to use”.

It is now up to Sydney Nsele and other comrades to engage employers for further training. They must determine their destiny.

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