Minister of Transport, Dipuo Peters has urged workers within the transport sector to exploit opportunities for further education, saying it was what government had planned.
Peters spoke at the graduation ceremony for members of the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) at the Parktonian Hotel in Braamfontein on 9 December, with more than 240 Satawu member receiving certificates.
Peters said the Skills Development Act of 1998 was among several legislations promulgated by the ANC-led tripartite alliance to enhance workers’ rights and education by providing an institutional framework and strategies to develop and improve workforce skills.
“So when an employer gives you a scholarship, bursary or an opportunity to study through The Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (Sasseta) or Transport Education Training Authority (Teta) you should know that it is not a favour, it is part of what is planned by your government,” Peters said.
Satawu general secretary Dr Zenzo Mahlangu said, “This must be the beginning of a better life, not just for yourself but also those around you. The knowledge you have acquired must translate in the ultimate uplifting of your community and organisation. Only then does education have a meaning.”
Addressing the gathering, valedictorian Gilbert Gamla, said he had received immense support from the union and his colleagues when he was diagnosed with cancer while studying. “It was hard. I was in hospital for three months but God is good,” Gamla said.
Sasseta administrator Jenny Irish-Qhobosheane, said they had identified paralegals as a critical skill. She said although the private security sector was the biggest employer within the safety and security industry, the majority of workers are employed at the lowest entry level. The sector was also grappling with transformation and other historical issues.
Teta CEO Maphefo Anno-Frempong said, “Satawu’s training initiative was delivery actualised. You see, when we fund, we just fund, but this to me, is performance in action.” She said she was looking forward to strike-free wage negotiations in the transport sector next year because the graduates had sharpened their negotiation skills.
Read: Smart traffic, smart city
