Latest news with #MICTSETA
The Citizen
09-08-2025
- Science
- The Citizen
Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences celebrates student research excellence
The Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) proudly hosted the Student Research Awards ceremony at the African Languages Auditorium within the Centre for Academic Development on July 23. The event celebrated the exceptional research achievements of students, showcasing innovative projects and nurturing a spirit of academic excellence and collaboration within the faculty. Senior Lecturer in Biotechnology Dr Tara Walmsley delivered a warm and purposeful welcoming address. She encouraged students to embrace their postgraduate journey with enthusiasm, reminding them that as they develop into researchers and ultimately transition into the industry, they have the potential to convert their passion into practical solutions for real-world challenges. Ranoshweu Solomon, Head of the Department of Applied Physical Sciences, emphasised the vital role of research as the cornerstone of innovation. He explained that research entails gathering information, expanding current knowledge, and introducing new perspectives within a given field. Differentiating between master's and doctoral research, he noted that while the former builds upon existing understanding, the latter is about generating original insights and pioneering breakthroughs. 'You must always research at your own pace to fully enjoy your journey,' he advised. Professor Tranos Zuva, a research professor in the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences, remarked, 'You cannot simply carry your master's or postgraduate certificates and expect recognition. It is through the dissemination of your research that you gain visibility, particularly in today's digitally connected world. You may hold qualifications, but you will remain unknown unless you publish. If people wish to learn about you, they must be able to find you online.' Maemo Kobe, acting Executive Director for Technology Transfer and Innovation (TTI), added that whether you have published a paper or are still developing your ideas or results, you can approach the TTI office based at the VUT Southern Gauteng Science & Technology Park in Sebokeng with intellectual property (IP) disclosure. By disclosing your IP, you establish ownership, allowing TTI to search to verify the originality of your idea. If it proves to be unique, you may then choose how and where to market it, with TTI providing protection and support throughout the process. Further inspiration was offered by Thabang Mkhuma, Technical Advisor for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) division at the Media Information Communications and Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICTSETA). He shared the work MICTSETA has undertaken to support research and development, highlighting the establishment of a dedicated 4IR division tasked with leading skills development and innovation in this emerging domain. In addition to providing learnerships and internships, the division has two further mandates: to spearhead research on 4IR and to cultivate innovation within the sector. Dr Mohau Phiri from the Department of Natural Sciences encouraged students to conduct their research at their own pace, cautioning them against comparing their progress with that of others who may have completed earlier.
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
R15 000 up for grabs for best new logo design
R15 000 up for grabs for best new logo design The new logo must reflect its past achievements and history, but also portray the camaraderie and pleasurable learning opportunities it offers current members. The society is offering R15 000 in prize money to the creative designer of the new logo that best reflects PSSA's objectives. The closing date for design entries is 31 August 2025. Visit to read more about PSSA and their motivation for a new logo. Some background: · PSSA was founded in 1954 because it was believed a representative body would be the best vehicle for promoting high photographic standards and to look after the interests of all photographers and clubs in South Africa. The founding members believed in the principle of stronger together. · Among PSSA's achievements over the past 70 years are international recognition of several members as world-leading photographers, and PSSA winning an international competition for nine consecutive years. · While PSSA is rich in history and achievements, it keeps members updated with the latest photographic techniques and social media opportunities. Members are encouraged to work towards earning national and international honours on various levels. · PSSA promotes personal skills by offering a countrywide competition to measure personal work through national and international salons. · The photographic skills of club members are improved by training judges who provide knowledgeable feedback during competitions. Members are also offered learning opportunities with lectures and workshops by expert speakers at regional and annual national congresses. · The society promotes school and youth photography with dedicated salons and competitions. · PSSA was invited by the official South African government training body — MICT SETA — to assist with formulating a curriculum to obtain photographic qualifications. Further enquiries: PSSA Marketing Director Nicol du Toit Email: nicol@ or Cell: 082 377 8285 or PSSA 1st Vice President Geoff Feldon Email: thefeldons@ or cell 082 464 3221 At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Mail & Guardian
22-04-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Samsung Maintains Level 1 B-BBEE Rating for Seven Years In A Row
Remarkable Milestone – Affirming its Commitment to Continued Development & Growth in South Africa Samsung has accomplished a remarkable milestone by maintaining its Level 1 B-BBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) status for seven (7) consecutive years, an affirmation of its genuine commitment to transformation as well as continued development and growth in South Africa. The company has continuously set new benchmarks in the industry and confirmed its determination in driving economic transformation in South Africa through its B-BBEE Initiatives. The retention of this Level 1 B-BBEE rating signifies and emphasises Samsung's ongoing commitment to driving meaningful and sustainable economic transformation, diversity and inclusion within the organisation and the wider South African business landscape. Over the years, Samsung has demonstrated its dedication to diversity and inclusion through a number of B-BBEE initiatives illustrated by its diverse workforce, partnerships with black SMMEs, access to supply chains, investment in workplace training, graduate programmes as well as its education-based Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. These B-BBEE initiatives are driven through Samsung's landmark R280-million Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), which was launched in May 2019 in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (Dtic). Samsung is now celebrating six years of this programme's sustained success. This EEIP programme is projected to have a measurable impact on job creation in the South African economy. Now in its seventh year, the EEIP programme has managed to rise to the challenge of achieving its ambitious goals. Samsung's unwavering dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable business environment is proven once more by the maintenance of this Level 1 B-BBEE status. Also, this rating re-affirms Samsung's continued drive to genuine economic transformation in South Africa and investment in the various pillars of the scorecard. The company's approach to B-BBEE over the years – has focused on five key pillars: Ownership through EEIP & Management Control, Employment Equity & Skills Development, Preferential Procurement & Enterprise Development as well as Socio-Economic Development (Social Responsibility). As a good corporate citizen that has consistently supported the country's transformation agenda in the last three decades, Samsung has invested in a number of specific initiatives that have contributed immensely in fostering a more equitable society. As part of its skills development initiatives , Samsung has various programmes focused on electronics technician training, including the MICTSETA accredited Young Technician Programme. The aim of this MICTSETA accredited Young Technician programme is to bridge the gap between education and employment. This is a structured learnership programme that combines practical work experience with theoretical training. The programme provides learners with skills to be able to work at Samsung Accredited Service Centres. This 12-month programme equips learners with technical skills as well as behavioural competencies giving them hands on experience – enabling the learners to successfully enter the work place environment. Samsung believes in supporting academically deserving students with proven financial need to take their first steps toward achieving their dreams and to obtain their first Undergraduate or Honours Degree. The Samsung External Bursary programme aims to fund academically deserving students who do not have the financial means to study full time towards an Undergraduate or Honours degree at a South African University or University of Technology. The programme also prioritises people living with disabilities. The aim of the programme is to address skills shortages as well as to attract talent pool aligned to Samsung's business model. In 2024, Samsung benefited 122 bursars, including 82 students with disabilities. This well-considered and integrated approach has enabled Samsung to partner with universities and SETA accredited training providers to train 1440 software developers and accredited technicians to enhance their prospects of securing employment, starting their own businesses and further training. The training of unemployed youth addresses a key need in the South African ICT sector and has resulted in a marked increase in female software developer and artisan graduates. Also, in an effort to prove that its transformation agenda is not just a tick box exercise – Samsung has increased its focus on unemployed learners through its internship and learnership programmes – supported by an emphasis on creating work experiences during and post the learnership or internship period. This skills development programme is geared towards ensuring that Samsung increases the employability of the country's young hopefuls. Samsung's programme reach extends beyond Gauteng, it also includes Limpopo, Eastern Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Western Cape provinces. In addition, Samsung's efforts when it comes to enterprise development include its re-direction of existing spend to qualifying Black-Owned and Black-Women Owned Qualifying Small Enterprises ('QSEs') and Exempt Micro Enterprises ('EMEs'). The company has ensured that these small enterprises were included in the existing procurement value chain of Samsung with a focus on the following, approved areas: Marketing, Services, Sales, Logistics and Recruitment. And, as part of the third phase of the Enterprise Development & E-Waste programmes which was launched towards the end of 2021, a further investment of over R60-million is planned over the next three years. And furthermore, as part of its contribution to socio-economic development: Samsung has invested in education-focused initiatives that include the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) which teaches 4IR skills including coding and programming, AI, IoT and big data to students in higher learning institutions. And furthermore, Samsung has over the years ploughed further resources into the global Solve For Tomorrow (SFT) competition that is now in its third year of execution – targeting grade 10 and 11 learners from disadvantage schools across the country to solve community problems through Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). These education-focused initiatives that are driven through technology are a re-affirmation of the company's commitment to STEM education and the upliftment of underserved communities. Samsung believes that all these efforts are essential in driving economic transformation in the country and creating a more inclusive and equitable business environment. The seven years of retaining this outstanding Level 1 B-BBEE status is a true reflection of Samsung's profound, long-term and impactful dedication to transformation which transcends mere compliance.
