EWC and LG Electronics S.A. Pledge Signing Ceremony

Johannesburg, 18 October 2013

On 18 October 2013, the Ekurhuleni West College (EWC) and LG Electronics S.A. signed a pledge of commitment to work together. The signing of the pledge between EWC and LG Electronics (SA) is in response to the call from government to produce artisans in the country.

The LG Electronics S.A. - Ekurhuleni West College cooperation will be an instrument to help alleviate some of the challenges the country has, as well as contributing in the National Skills Development Strategy III (NSDS III)’s objectives such as:

• Promoting the growth of a public FET college system that is responsive to sector, local, regional and national skills needs and priorities;
• Increasing access to occupationally-directed programmes;
• Encouraging better use of workplace-based skills development.

The cooperation will also address the commitments expressed in the National Skills Accord that is aimed at strengthening the Skill Development by means of a partnership between the constituencies. It will address the Training and Development of Artisans as well as promoting internships and placements for college graduates.

This cooperation will not only assist Ekurhuleni West College in achieving its objectives and to deliver its mandate, as prescribed by the DHET, but also assist the college to become an FET institution of choice.

Ekurhuleni West College welcomes and appreciates that 26 of its students are currently placed at LG Electronics factory plant, receiving relevant training.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Department, Honourable Mduduzi Manana and other dignitaries from public and private institutions.

In his speech the Deputy Minister said that the colleges need to increase the success of their students by ensuring that students who enter the education system will successfully complete the programme and ensuring that students are able to find employment, as the colleges’ success will be measured against the employability of its students. He also indicated that the students employability chances increase if they have any work based exposure.

He congratulated the principal, Ms Hellen Ntlatleng and her team for being responsive to the call of serving communities. He wished that other colleges could emulate what EWC is doing. He concluded by saying that EWC should continue to be the model so that other colleges could see the good work. He also commended LG Electronics SA for their commitment to work with EWC, and expressed his appreciation of this initiative.

The MD of LG, Mr IL Hwan Lee said that LG Electronics SA is responding to the call of government to produce artisans by providing on the job training to students who have relevant qualifications.

The Principal of EWC Ms Hellen Ntlatleng said that the goal of this cooperation Agreement is to produce entrepreneurs and where possible, assist the students to form cooperatives. She also said that the college is excited by LG Electronics SA's committment to skills development and that the partnership will signify a marked increase in the number of artisans and technicians trained as well as the facilitation of up-skilling of lecturers.

In conclusion, she said that the college is once again confirming its commitment to the minister’s call to deliver a cadre of professionals while advocating the ‘Decade of the Artisan!’

Deputy Minister of Higher Education Training, Hon. Mduduzi Manana at the Ceremony.	Managing Director of LG Electronics S.A., Mr IL Hwan Lee.
The Principal of EWC, Ms Hellen M. Ntlatleng.	Mr Glen Mafela, a former EWC student, now an inspector at LG Electronics S.A.
The signed pledges.