Signing Ceremony

Cooperation Agreement Between South African Airways Technical (SAAT) And Ekurhukeni West College (EWC)

30 June 2011

The Principal and CEO of Ekurhuleni West College, Me Manakedi Hellen Ntlatleng, and the CEO of SAAT, Mr Musa Zwane, signed a Cooperation Agreement between Ekurhuleni West College (EWC) and South African Airways Technical (SAAT).

The signing ceremony was held on Thursday 30 June 2011, between 07h00 and 08h30, at the SAAT Training Centre.

The significance of the cooperation, other than forming a partnership, is how the two entities interpreted the imperatives of the National Skills Development Strategy III and the New Growth Path of our country. This partnership between SAAT and EWC represents a firm commitment to encourage the links of skills development to career pathing, career development and promoting sustainable employment and job placements. Through this partnership, parties commit to, amongst others:

1. Equipping EWC lecturers and students with the relevant practical skills to meet the demands of Aviation Training; 
2. Creating opportunities for EWC students to acquire occupational qualifications and relevant work experience; and 
3. Increase opportunities for job placements for EWC students at SAA, its subsidiaries, parastatals and other aviation companies. 
4. Contributing to the Government plan to produce 10 000 Artisans per year. 
5. Improve pedagogical, vocational and technical skills of EWC Lecturers. 
6. Facilitating the exposure of EWC to SAAT's subsidiaries, other parastatals and any other relevant aviation company.

The signing was witnessed by esteemed leaders of our society, amongst others, the Honourable Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande; the Honourable Minister of Public Enterprises, Mr Malusi Gigaba; Honourable Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises, Mr Ben Dikobe Martins; SAA Chairperson, Ms Cheryl Carolus; EWC College Council Chairperson, Mr Thembani Bukula; SAAT Chairperson, Mr Teddy Daka; the Acting Director General Department of Higher Education and Training, Mr Gwebinkundla Qonde.

An initiative of this magnitude is rendered miniscule by the absence of high level support. The presence of two Ministers concerned bears testimony to this government's commitment to upskilling South Africa's workforce and the creation of job opportunities for many. We are particularly enthused by the commitment made by both Ministers to support this initiative and hope that this initiative will herald the birth of many such in all sectors of our economy.

Ekurhuleni West College is elated by the fact that more and more young South Africans can be aided to participate fully and productively in a thriving economy, by gaining the skills and experience necessary to smooth the path between the classroom and the world of work. As we celebrate this partnership, we also celebrate with the many South African families who by virtue of this partnership will be able to bear testimony to the benefits of the partnership and its direct impact on the livelihoods of many families within SA's communities.

Honourable Ministers – Mr Malusi Gigaba (left) and Dr Blade Nzimande shaking hands at the Signing Ceremony between EWC and SAAT.