The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) and the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSeta) have entered into a memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to tackle the lack of skills training and capacity at local government level.

The agreement was entered into in response to President Jacob Zuma’s State of the Nation address in which he mentioned the poor performance of municipalities and spoke about plans to revitalise local government. 

“In signing this MoA, we are creating a shared responsibility system that will change both organisations. Partnerships between employers [and] public education institutions must be promoted so that the integration of education and training becomes a reality experienced by all South Africans,” VUT vice-chancellor and principal Professor Irene Moutlana said.

LGSeta administrator Nqaba Nqandela added that the Seta was making significant progress in terms of building a highly responsive organisation.

In terms of the MoA, VUT would offer full and short academic programmes in management and leadership training, financial management training, office management and administration training, engineering-related programmes, information technology, municipal management training, customer care, project management, adult basic education and training, monitoring and evaluation, municipal councillors training and workplace training.

Municipalities that would benefit from this MoA were the City of Johannesburg, the City of Tshwane, Westonaria municipality, Ekurhuleni metropolitan municipality, West Rand district municipality, Lesedi local municipality, Emfuleni local municipality, Midvaal local municipality, Randfontein local municipality, Merafong local municipality and Mogale City local municipality.