Centre of excellence opens in Mandeni

THE uMfolozi TVET College opened the Pulp and Paper Centre of Excellence in Mandeni last Thursday.

The centre is being supported by the Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Seta (FP&M Seta) and the Paper Manufacturing Association of South Africa (PMASA).

The facility will function primarily as a hub for local pulp and paper industry initiatives and as a central point for industry employees enrolled in the Pulp and Paper Occupational Programme (PPOP).

It will not only serve as an ideal training venue, but will provide space for study groups, seminars and meetings.

uMfolozi College Deputy Principal Elsie du Toit said the centre was established to deliver development opportunities for all involved in the paper industry.

This includes, in particular, PPOP participants wishing to study further in their respective fields.

She described the project as a ‘true example of partnership between training institutions and industry’.

Activities at the centre will include research, workplace integrated learning, administration and management of PPOP, stakeholder liaison, academic support and a platform to build partnerships with other TVET colleges and academic institutions.

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Focus point

FP&M Seta CEO Felleng Yende said the centre would serve as focus point for PPOP projects, which have already been funded to the tune of R3.25-million since 2015.

‘More than 300 people have registered and are training to receive their national [vocational] certificate in pulp and paper.’

She said despite the advent of the digital era, paper still plays a major role in our daily lives.

‘For decades the paper manufacturing industry has contributed greatly to South Africa’s economy, and having been ranked as one of the largest producers of pulp and paper in the world, this industry continues to benefit our people tremendously.’

Ursula Henneberry, Operations Director of the Paper Recycling Association of South Africa, reiterated the importance of education, not only for individual development, but for the economy and society as a whole.

‘The Pulp and Paper Centre of Excellence showcases collaboration, partnership and the goal of excellence in education and makes access to education for current and future industry employees easier.

‘It gives them a place to learn, to grow and to excel.’

The ever growing importance of recycling as a supplier of fibre to the paper making industry is underlined by the fact that PRASA has trained more than 5 000 people through its entrepreneurship courses and enjoys the full collaboration and support of the FP&M Seta.

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