Question NW3159 to the Minister of Social Development
04 September 2015 - NW3159
Jooste, Ms K to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)With reference to the alleged confirmation by the General Manager of Corporate Services in the Limpopo provincial Department of Social Development on 9 February 2015 that the training of the Masupatsela Youth Pioneers will commence in March 2015 and that pioneers will continue performing community development activities until the graining provider was appointed (details furnished), (a) which training provider has been appointed to provide the specified training and (b)(i) what are the proposed costs of the specified training and (ii) over what time period will the training take place; (2) for how long are the specified pioneers expected to undergo training; (3) what has caused the delay in commencing the training for the specified pioneer group; (4) will the specified pioneer group be absorbed into either (a) the national or (b) provincial Departments of Social Development for (i) further training or (ii) permanent employment upon completion of the proposed training?
Reply:
- (a) No training provider appointed
(b) (i) The costs are not known at this stage
(ii) Under normal circumstances, the RPL process takes 12 months, but for this group the period has not yet been determined
(2) Same as (ii)
(3) The main aim of conducting RPL is to eliminate unnecessary repetitions and duplication in the training programme. The Masupatsela Youth Pioneers have already undergone some form of training. The SAQA guidelines on RPL clearly specify that it should be embedded within broader personal development and career path. It is for this reason that the Masupatsela Youth Pioneers will undergo the RPL process first before the commencement of training.
(4) As stated earlier, the main of conducing RPL is to provide the Masupatsela Youth Pioneers with accredited training to enhance their skills and knowledge, as well as improve career development and open access to better job opportunities even outside the social sector.