and industry demands. As a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA), it serves as a bridge between government, industry and training institutions — ensuring that education and training are relevant, responsive and impactful. The MQA’s approach is built on partnership. It works with mining companies to provide workplace-based learning, collaborates with TVET colleges and universities to align curricula, and engages community organisations to expand access and learner support. These partnerships have enhanced the relevance of training, improved learner placement rates and supported community upliftment in mining regions. A key focus area in recent years has been the rollout of portable skills programmes for retrenched workers, helping them transition into new sectors or start their own businesses. The initiative has been particularly successful in rural mining communities affected by restructuring and mine closures. In the 2023/24 financial year, the MQA supported over 10 000 learners through various interventions, including learnerships, internships, bursaries and artisan training programmes. “This investment ensures that South Africa’s mining workforce remains agile and responsive to a rapidly changing industry landscape,” notes Dr Mashongoane. The MQA funds qualifications across NQF Levels 2–7, covering disciplines such as mining engineering, occupational health and safety, environmental management and metallurgy. Demand for funding continues to grow, particularly in areas identified as critical and scarce skills, and support remains targeted at historically disadvantaged individuals. In 2024/25, the MQA disbursed R1.5-billion to support sectoral skills development. Funding allocations are governed by its approved Funding Policy, which ensures that resources are distributed transparently and strategically through: • Mandatory grants for levy-paying employers to invest in workplace skills. • Discretionary grants for learnerships, internships, bursaries, artisan development and skills programmes. • Special projects aimed at rural development, retrenchment support and transformation initiatives. • Priority areas for funding include youth development, women in mining, community-based training, and green economy and digital skills. Driving transformation and inclusion The MQA’s programmes have transformed thousands of lives, particularly in historically marginalised mining communities. Through targeted interventions, the industry body has enabled access to training, promoted equity and supported greater representation of women and youth in mining occupations. Transformation remains a core pillar of the MQA’s mandate. By funding learning opportunities for young people and women, the MQA is helping to break barriers to entry in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry. The SETA’s rural development initiatives are equally impactful. By partnering with local organisations, the MQA supports community-based training centres that provide basic and portable skills to unemployed youth and retrenched workers — fostering entrepreneurship and alternative livelihoods in mining-dependent areas. Preparing for Industry 4.0 As the mining sector embraces automation, artificial
intelligence (AI) and green technologies, the MQA has intensified efforts to ensure that training keeps pace with global trends. The organisation is modernising its curriculum to include digital literacy, mechatronics, robotics, data analytics and environmental management — critical areas as mines transition toward more sustainable, technology-driven operations. “We remain committed to inclusive, responsive and future- focused skills development,” says Dr Mashongoane. “As new technologies reshape mining, we must ensure that workers are equipped to thrive in the digital era.” The MQA’s 2024–2026 strategic focus includes: • Digital transformation of training and assessment systems. • Expansion of community-based skills development centres. • Strengthened partnerships with TVET colleges and universities. • Increased participation of women and youth in technical and leadership roles within mining. The MQA also recognises that the Industry 4.0 skillset requires a balance of technical and soft skills — from data analytics, AI and cybersecurity to critical thinking, adaptability and collaboration. Through partnerships with academia and industry, the MQA is designing programmes that blend these competencies to build a workforce fit for the future. Benchmarking South African mining skills globally To remain globally competitive, the MQA actively benchmarks its programmes against international standards. A recent study visit to Malaysia formed part of this effort, enabling collaboration with vocational training institutions on the digitalisation of training delivery and green mining and sustainability practices. “Global engagement allows us to exchange knowledge, adopt proven models and align our qualifications with global benchmarks,” Dr Mashongoane explains. “These partnerships ensure that South African learners are not only ready for local opportunities but equipped to compete in international mining ecosystems.” Shaping the next era of mining skills As it enters its fourth decade, the MQA’s mission is clear: to continue shaping a workforce that is skilled, inclusive and globally competitive. Its investments in training, innovation and partnerships have laid a strong foundation for South Africa’s mining industry to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the digital and green economy. “As the sector embraces automation, AI and sustainability, our focus is on ensuring that South Africa’s mining skills remain world- class,” concludes Dr Mashongoane. “Our learners are not only the future of this industry — they are the future of South Africa’s economic resilience.” With a proud legacy and a forward-looking vision, the MQA stands as both a custodian of mining education and a catalyst for transformation — empowering people, communities and the industry it serves. n MQA at a glance Since its establishment in 1996, the MQA has: • Funded and supported tens of thousands of learners through bursaries, learnerships, internships, and artisan development programmes. • Strengthened partnerships with mining companies, TVET colleges, universities, and community organisations. • Driven transformation by prioritising youth, women, and rural communities in its funding and programme rollout. • Adapted to industry shifts, including the rise of automation, sustainability, and digital mining technologies.
DECEMBER 2025 - JANUARY 2026 | www.modernminingmagazine.co.za MODERN MINING 9
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