CHIETA values media partnership in sharing its story on job creation
Wezi Khoza
A free press is critical in any society, particularly one that was as divided as South Africa was before the end of apartheid. Democracy ensured that media freedom was enshrined in the Constitution.
Let’s acknowledge that the media served society particularly well before 1994 by exposing the evils of apartheid and increasing international pressure on the then-ruling National Party. That role has since evolved under democracy, with the media remaining a vigilant watchdog against corruption or attacks on the Constitution.
It has often been said that freedom comes with responsibilities.
We’ve heard many times the phrase, “Don’t Shoot the messenger!” CHIETA cannot survive without the media telling our story and playing a role in creating jobs, equipping people with skills to take their place in the economy, and contributing to sustainable livelihoods, among other things, by taking Smart Skills Centres to deep rural parts of the country.
Certainly, the media does and must continue holding us accountable as a Sector Education Training Authority, ensuring that we deliver on our mandate on skills development while helping to stimulate job creation, among other things, through the promotion of small to medium enterprises.
South African writer, A.C. Jordan, in his novel, "The Wrath of the Ancestors", published in the Xhosa language in 1940, compares "truth" to a powerful wrestler, saying that no matter how hard its adversary, "falsehood", may try to overwhelm it, truth refuses to yield.
Even when "falsehood" appears to have the upper hand, "truth" gathers new strength from the contest and casts off its adversary.
Former president Nelson Mandela, a champion of press freedom, once noted that the truth must always prevail. “And if the media is a mirror of society and public institutions, surely it is incumbent on these very organisations to reciprocate lovingly, too. After all, there is mutual benefit.”
To this end, the Board of the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) wishes to congratulate our CEO, Yershen Pillay, on his tireless efforts in turning the organisation into an impactful one.
For the record, the CEO received a bonus of R409 000, but we wish it could have been more. Given his hard work in securing a clean audit for the second consecutive year and meeting 100 percent of its objectives, especially since these efforts contributed significantly to job creation and skills development.
To his credit, Yershen did not demand a bonus despite his consistent ethical leadership aimed at keeping CHIETA at the forefront of the chemical sector. Given his success over the years, CHIETA is aware of attempts to poach him. We are glad he stayed true to his pledge to do all he can to help create sustainable livelihoods.
As a Board, we are proud of his work steering CHIETA towards creating sustainable livelihoods. The CEO has been instrumental in leading a team that keeps CHIETA punching above its weight. In a fair world, the media would analyse and articulate that the CEO's bonus is based on CHIETA achieving a clean audit for the second year and a 100% mark for meeting its organisational performance goals. This transparent process ensures that bonuses are awarded based on merit and the organisation's performance.
As CHIETA, we are dedicated to making a meaningful impact and improving the quality of life. In the current financial year, we have created 7893 jobs, a testament to our commitment to job creation. We have also significantly contributed to the growth of the SMMS sector, supported artisan development, and trained 2286 artisans. These achievements are a source of our pride and should reassure the public of our commitment to our mission.
We are impactful because we had 49000 learners supported by CHIETA — a 50% increase. Our training has impacted 74 742 learners. We have created six High Impact SMART Skills Centres, supported 1 800 new businesses, developed 21 new qualifications, had an above-inflation 5.1% income growth on our levy incomes, and created 10 212 chemical sector jobs.
In celebrating four years of exceptional leadership at CHIETA, under the visionary leadership of Yershen, CHIETA has achieved remarkable milestones, driving innovation and transformation across South Africa.
Key highlights of his tenure:
*Six SMART Skills Centres established in rural communities.
*17 100 rural youth equipped with cutting-edge digital skills.
*Development of 21 new qualifications to meet industry demands.
*Support for 7 898 jobs in 2024 alone.
*Empowering 55 000 young boys through our #GBV programme.
*Funding for 1 744 SMMEs, fostering entrepreneurship and economic resilience.
*Advocacy for 2 133 young women in #STEM fields.
*Investment in 448 cooperatives, encouraging innovation and collaboration.
*Driving new markets through leadership in the #Green #Hydrogen #Economy.
*Supporting 79 394 learners with #career #guidance. These are the facts.
We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency and truth. As a public sector organisation, we expect the same standards from the media.
* Khoza is the Chairperson of the Board at the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA)