The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (Chieta) and the Media, Information & Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority ((MICT Seta) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to encourage greater cross-Seta collaboration on digital transformation initiatives.

“Because the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) impacts a steadily growing portion of the chemical industries sector, it is becoming more imperative to stay ahead of the game and develop closer partnerships with organisations specialising in the information technology sector,” says Chieta chairperson Wezi Khoza.

The key objectives of the MoU are to implement cross-sectoral skills development initiatives that deliver enterprise development in response to the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and to monitor the external environment and provide solutions to social challenges through skills development, in response to local rural and township economies.

Further, the MoU will support collaboration on digital transformation initiatives, implementing skills development programmes in sectors that include data science, automation, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, promoting uniformity in relation to discretionary and mandatory grant processes and on the development of a Seta-integrated management information system (MIS).

There is a need to embrace digital transformation, which is the strategic organisational and operational change of an organisation through the comprehensive integration of digital technologies, processes and skills across all functions and levels, MICT Seta chairperson Simphiwe Thobela says.

“The effective incorporation of digital transformation enables organisations to leverage technologies to create value, deliver new services, innovate and adapt to the rapidly changing environment,” he adds.

The MoU is aligned with Chieta's aim to be fully digitised by 2025.

“Advanced technology is extremely important in the chemicals industry and continuous improvement and development in technology is key to the sector we serve. New technological developments also mean that Chieta people need to be upskilled and new people recruited to ensure success in adapting to the world of 4IR,” Khoza says.

“We believe this MoU with the MICT Seta, which has set high standards in growing the pool of skills in information and communication technologies, will add real value to our Seta and the chemicals industry, while also expanding the scope of MICT Seta’s services, paving the way for a Seta-integrated MIS, and improving cross-sectoral skills development.

“We look forward to working closely with the MICT Seta for the ultimate benefit of economic growth and job creation in South Africa,” he adds.