Minister Blade Nzimande: Coronavirus Level 2 Measures
With the news of Level 2 lockdown, see how The Business Lab has you and your company covered
Considering Minister Blad Nzimande’s speech addressing the nation on the new measures for the training sector, he stated “On COVID 19 health and safety
All institutions have prepared their campuses in line with the Higher Health protocols and Health & Safety Committees at all campuses are compulsory and must be actively engaged. All institutions which have not as yet established these institutions are directed to do so immediately and importantly, to ensure that they are all appropriately resourced and fully functional.
Institutions will need to continue to be vigilant and prioritise health and safety of staff and students, while at the same time ensure continued and more intense support for teaching and learning to ensure that the academic year is saved.”
Understanding the measurements and necessary steps to take in order to keep you, your staff and your company safe as well as adhere to guidelines is not an easy task. Acknowledging what level 2 means for specific business sectors was also addressed in the speech on the 26th of August 2020, the Minister also addressed Skills development,
The Alert Level 2 brings about more opportunities regarding workplace-based learning programmes.
The department on an ongoing basis surveys SETAs to determine the quantum of learners returning to workplaces. The latest report indicates that learners entering/enrolling in various learning programmes (returning to the workplaces) can be categorized as follows:
Learnerships: 22 875
Artisans: 11 845
Internships: 8 160
TVET college placements: 8 240
University placements: 2 650
These numbers are falling short of the Department’s revised Annual Performance Plan targets.
The estimated decline in the skills levy collections from R19.413 billion to R11.291 billion, a reduction of R8.122 billion (42%), has huge implications on various learning programmes. We are engaging with the social partners at NEDLAC and SITAs to mitigate against this decline in the skills levy collections.
With the four months exemption in the skills development levy from 1 May 2020 to August 2020 regarding COVID-19 tax relief measures, it is expected that employers will now prioritise skills development under Level 2.
The easing-down provisions, will also enable the greater restoration of artisan development activities to a level of approximately 70%.
The WorldSkills South Africa unit will also be able to coordinate the provincial and national competitions in preparation for South Africa participation in the international competition in China, Shanghai during October 2021, within strict COVID-19 protocols and requirements.”
We offer multiple avenues to aid your business during this time, go to our website and see how the Bizlab can aid in re-adjusted strategies to adapt the new normal with:
COVID PPE Packaged and Price lists
Visit www.thebizlab.co.za to view more or contact us on 010 030 0080 to find out more
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