Speech by the Minister Of Minerals And Energy, Mrs Lindiwe Hendricks

Mining Qualification Authority (MQA) Executive Preparation Programme (EPP) Alumni and Certification Event

Parktonian Hotel, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

11 October 2005

CEO of the MQA

Representatives from Institutions of Higher Learning

Representatives from industry and labour unions

Past and current EPP delegates

Programme Director

Ladies and Gentlemen

1. Introduction

It is a pleasure to be here for this function, as it is important occasion in the life of the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA). We are here today to witness the first Certification Event of candidates who have completed the prestigious MQA Executive Preparation Programme (EPP). This is a celebration of the achievements of men and woman who have successfully participated in this programme, and of the efforts of the MQA to ensure that individuals who were historically disadvantaged are equipped with the right skills to meaningfully participate in the mining and minerals sector. I congratulate everyone who has been involved in running and participating in the course.

I also welcome people who have previously completed this programme and hope they use this event to its full advantage by updating themselves on current issues in the mining industry, networking with each other, and looking for new opportunities in the sector.

2. Background and information about the EPP

The MQA Executive Preparation Programme was launched in July 2003, with the full backing, support and guidance from the Department of Minerals and Energy. The course is aimed at creating awareness and the provision of knowledge of the mining business in South Africa to Historically Disadvantaged South African’s who are doing business in the mining sector or those employed in managerial positions within the sector.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this course came about because of the efforts of the former Minister and now Deputy President of the country, Ms Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka. She recognised that if we are to have effective implementation of the Mining Charter, then we need to provide support by amongst other things, equipping black people with the right skills and training. I support her vision and I look forward to the ongoing and successful running of this course. I would also like to acknowledge the important role played in establishing this programme by the late former CEO of the MQA, Dr Menzi Mthwecu.

That this programme is recognised by all role players in the industry and is now one of the flagship programmes in the Mining and Minerals Sector, is a tribute to our Deputy President and Dr Mthwecu.

Programme director, from what I have heard about the programme, I believe it will contribute towards facilitating greater BEE participation in the mining and minerals industry, and it will support of the achievement of Mining Charter targets. The MQA in successfully running this course, and effectively facilitating training and skills development in the sector, is therefore more than just a delivery agent but a strategic partner to the Department of Minerals and Energy.

With the support of the partners of the MQA, namely the University of Johannesburg, the University of Witwatersrand, and UNISA, we have been able to provide the students on the EPP programme with the best of the best training programme. These three universities are all leading world class universities and the graduates who will receive their certificate today have a qualification they can be proud of. Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to announce that the MQA will be giving these universities as well as the University of Pretoria, which is now also a partner of the MQA, a R6.3 million grant. This grant will enable these