One of the most powerful tools when it comes to helping an organisation achieve its aims is partnerships
In the case of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), these aims include working towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a keen focus on quality education (SDG 4) and decent work and economic growth (SDG 8).
SAICA’s Gugu Makhanya, Senior Executive: Transformation, explains that the SETAs’ support has been central to the success of Thuthuka, the organisation’s vehicle for transformation and skills development. ‘We have a drive to transform, grow and own the accounting education landscape in South Africa, and Thuthuka helps us get closer to achieving this objective by getting involved from school level, right up to professional qualification level,’
Makhanya explains, noting that Thuthuka’s endeavours have helped to build a pipeline of future business leaders.
‘Another critical element of Thuthuka’s strategic focus is South Africa’s National Development Plan: Vision for 2030. This calls on the private, public and civic sectors, as well as South Africa’s citizens, to rally behind a united vision of South Africa’s development. The commitment of the Department of Higher Education and Training, through the SETAs, could not go without mention here.’
Goals of this magnitude could not be achieved working in isolation, which is where the SETAs have a key role to play. The partnership is a natural one, since the SETAs are mandated to contribute to skills development, especially amongst individuals who are already employed or seeking employment. As Makhanya comments, there is a perfect synergy between these bodies.
Makhanya says that the SETAs’ greatest contribution towards Thuthuka, since its inception, has been their generous funding, which she describes as ‘the lifeline of Thuthuka’.
SAICA’s Gugu Makhanya notes that Thuthuka welcomes funds from all organisations in the profession.
