The Unisa Midlands Region, in collaboration with the Northern Cape Post-School Education and Training (NCPSET) Forum, hosted the hybrid 5^th Annual Seminar on 27 and 28 September 2023 at the Northern Cape Rural TVET College, Upington Campus.

The theme of the seminar was Driving sustainable economic development through 4IR, green economy, agriculture and tourism in collaborations between the Northern Cape PSET sector and the industry.

Seminar participants

Reflecting on the first five years of the NCPSET Forum, Unisa Acting Deputy Registrar, Mathews Kokong, gave background on the forum and indicated that the joint seminar was established to allow and enhance comprehensive discussions and collaborative relationships, participate in activities leading to economic development, and produce necessary skills within the Northern Cape.

He talked about the importance of strengthening collaborations with industries, municipalities, civil societies and higher education institutions to be relevant and collectively move forward to achieve provincial skills development.

Kokong acknowledged the support of and guidance from the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, since the inception of the forum in 2019 and for successfully hosting the seminar during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Noting a great milestone, Kokong recommended that the organisers should consider elevating this seminar to a conference so that "we can deal with more outputs that are research-led".

Polycarp du Toit, Managing Director of the Quiver Green Group, graced the seminar and emphasised the efficient use of natural resources through 4IR in the agricultural sector. As he put it, “Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) is an integrated approach to manage agricultural systems to respond effectively to climate change, increase productivity, enhance resilience and reduce emissions. Technology and innovation are key; we need to use 4IR to leverage what is available." He called on the PSET sector to collaborate with farmers who use technologies to leverage skills development.

From left, Mavhungu Joseph Mandiwana (Deputy Principal: Academic Services NC Community Education Training College), Dr Benjamin Seleke (Lecturer: Technology Education: Walter Sisulu University), Mmaabo Moloi (NC PSET Forum Chairperson), Dr. James Hadji (Recognition of Prior Learning Specialist: Unisa), Nicole Morris (Dean of Students: Sol Plaatje University), Zamokwakhe Khuzwayo (Executive Officer: National Skills Authority), Polycarp du Toit (Managing Director: Quiver Green Group), Dr Nixon Teis (University of the Free State), and Randall Faumann (Director: Open Learning: DHET)

Along similar lines, Mavhungu Mandiwana, Deputy Principal of Academic Services at the Northern Cape Community Education Training College, outlined key economic drivers in the Northern Cape that include agri-processing, construction, mining and solar.

He shared his thoughts about the Living Lab project that started in the Kuruman area in the Northern Cape to provide local communities with digital literacy training and access to the technology needed for 4IR. As part of inclusive education, Mandiwana highlighted the need to promote the participation of people living with disabilities in all learning programmes. "We need to embrace all types of disabilities and encourage community members in promoting inclusion, participation and self-determination in all academic programmes", he said. He added that entrepreneurial skills programmes provided to students and communities in collaboration with SETAs are necessary to provide knowledge to start and manage businesses and further enhance skills to promote and assist existing students using training and business assessment tools.

Many influential people and subject matter experts shared their perspectives and thoughts on partnership with other sectors and institutions to position the PSET sector to optimally provide the necessary skills for the different economic drivers in the Northern Cape Province. Dr Nixon Teis and Dr Benjamin Seleke from the University of the Free State and Walter Sisulu University, respectively, focused on the application of 4IR to promote quality education. Randall Faulmann from DHET, Nicole Moris from Sol Plaatje University and Dr Mutambuli Hadji from Unisa, respectively, focused on lifelong learning, student support, and recognition of prior learning (RPL) to access university qualifications.

In her closing remarks, Mmaabo Moloi, NCPSET Forum chairperson, appreciated the speakers and the attendees for their robust engagements. She also noted the proposal to turn the seminar into a conference.

* By Thotogelo Masenya, Communication and Marketing Officer, Unisa Midlands Region