The National Skills Fund (NSF) has been funding post-school education and training and skills development since 1999. With the approved funding of R35 million from the NSF, Felix Risk Training Consultants (FRTC) enrolled 500 students, of these, 250 students are persons with disabilities.
A successful two-day graduation took place for all 500 students at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, with the first 250 students graduating on 26 January 2024 and the last 250 students on 2 February 2024. The NSF funded FRTC to implement the National Certificate in Banking Services Advice (BSA) NQF Level 5 programme for 12 months, from 16 January 2023 to 2 December 2023.
The theoretical aspects of the BSA programme were offered through online lessons. Students attended workplace learning in person for three weeks of the month, with some students attending virtually. The fourth week of each month was dedicated to a block week training session with the students that took place on Microsoft Teams and the FRTC online learning platform. The students received stipends for the duration of the programme.
NSF has had a major impact on its funded beneficiaries, who come from all walks of life. Edris Mhlanga (26) is one of the fortunate NSF beneficiaries who completed the BSA qualification. Not only did he complete his programme, but he also graduated top of his class. Mhlanga was awarded for being a top achiever in the programme in his class of 2023.
The National Development Plan (NDP) aims to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030. The NSF is working tirelessly to ensure that the NDP vision for 2030 is a success where every citizen is given equal opportunities despite of their background, race, gender, or disability. FRTC is working towards ensuring that all the graduates of the BSA programme find work placement.
“This opportunity has opened doors for me. The opportunity has allowed me to expand my skills, and I am now a qualified person living with a disability,” said Mhlanga.
Mhlanga was fortunate to find his employment shortly after completing this programme, starting his new job on 15 February 2024
NSF Project Manager for FRTC, Carol Ngcobo, NSF Acting Chief Director: Skills Development and Implementation, Meriam Malebo, and NSF Deputy Director: Skills Development and Implementation for KwaZulu-Natal, Claudelle Dunn, along with distinguished guests such as Dr Lefaso Motsoeneng, Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BankSeta) Human Resource Manager were in attendance to celebrate the remarkable achievement of the 100% completion during the graduation ceremonies. Their presence added significance to the event, highlighting the collaborative efforts and commitment to excellence in skills development.
Ngcobo expressed her utmost pride in witnessing a 100% success rate within the FRTC programme. She also expressed happiness knowing that some of the learners were offered positions by their host employers.
FRTC Managing Director Bernadette Felix expressed gratitude for the impact NSF has had on the young men and women who took part in the programme. “We all at FRTC share the same passion as NSF of impacting the lives of our youth and making a positive change one project at a time,” said Felix.
The partnership between NSF and FRTC has helped empower individuals, especially those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, by offering opportunities for education and training that might otherwise have been inaccessible. NSF congratulates the BSA class of 2023.
Picture: Raj Ramchander FRTC Facilitator presenting Top Achiever award to graduate and NSF beneficiary Edris Mhlanga
By Andisiwe Mkoyana a graduate intern at the National Skills Fund.
