Dr. Felleng Yende, CEO of FP&M SETA

Empowering Industries Through Visionary Leadership: A Decade of Impact

By Fiona Wakelin and Raine St. Claire

The world of industries is a dynamic realm, constantly reshaped by technological advancements, shifting socio-economic climates, and evolving consumer preferences. At the core of this everchanging landscape stands the Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FP&M SETA), and at its heart, you will find their visionary leader and CEO, Dr. Felleng Yende. Her leadership has not only guided the FP&M SETA’s direction but has also played a pivotal role in the growth and revitalisation of numerous sectors.

The Quintessential CEO, Dr. Yende embodies the qualities that define an exemplary Chief Executive Officer. She possesses the ability to define and nurture an organisation’s culture, develop short- and long-term strategies with measurable outcomes, instil a culture of accountability and excellence, and recognise and harness the talents of others to build high-performing teams. In an exclusive interview with Dr. Yende, we delve deeper into the FP&M SETA and how her exceptional leadership qualities and approach empower individuals to take control of their destinies, positioning them as catalysts for positive change and sustainable economic development.

The Role of The FP&M SETA

I have a profound sense of achievement for the pivotal role that the FP&M SETA plays in skills development across a diverse array of sectors, ranging from clothing, footwear, textiles, furniture, and leather to woodworking, general goods, forestry, packaging, printing, print media, publishing, and pulp and paper. Our current strategy places a strong emphasis on the swift adoption of principles associated with the fourth industrial revolution (4IR).

We are dedicated to addressing the evolving industry structures, embracing technology, and responding to shifting socioeconomic conditions. At the FP&M SETA, we are committed to ensuring that individuals acquire the critical and often scarce skills essential for enhancing the sector’s capacity for long-term economic sustainability and global competitiveness. Our dedication goes beyond just words; we back it with funding support and grants that facilitate access to the necessary training and development opportunities.

To further our mission, we actively seek out and address the training needs of employers through strategic partnerships and innovative delivery methods. We understand the importance of minimising costs while maximising impact, and this commitment underscores our approach to training and development.

Perhaps most importantly, we are passionate about equipping the next generation of workers, which includes youth and women, with not only the technical skills but also the values that will shape the nation’s future. By empowering individuals with these essential skills and values, the FP&M SETA is actively fostering positive change and driving sustainable economic development in our country.

Charting A Path Of Skills Development

The FP&M SETA’s expansive reach of these sectors underscores the organisation’s commitment to fostering skill development tailored to the unique demands of each sector. Our strategy places a strong emphasis on integrating fourth industrial revolution principles, while simultaneously adapting to the distinct nuances of each sector. This approach ensures that interventions remain not only effective but also sustainable, thus preparing the workforce to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by technology-driven transformations and evolving socio-economic conditions.

Leading The FP&M SETA's Remarkable Job Creation Initiatives

I take great pride in our organisation’s significant strides in job creation, particularly in empowering youth and vulnerable groups within our sector. I am excited to share our notable initiatives and programmes that have contributed to these impressive achievements in job creation.

Career Portal: Bridging Job Seekers, Employers and Training Providers

One of our standout initiatives is the Career Portal—an online platform designed to connect job seekers, employers, and training providers. This innovative platform allows users to upload their CVs, explore job opportunities, apply for learnerships, bursaries, and internships, and access career guidance and counselling services. The Career Portal serves as a valuable tool in connecting job seekers with employment opportunities and valuable skill-building resources.

TVET Partnerships Programme: Elevating Education and Employability

At FP&M SETA, we understand the power of collaboration in job creation. Our TVET Partnerships programme exemplifies this approach by bringing together the FP&M SETA and various Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. The primary goal of this programme is to enhance the quality and relevance of TVET education and training. By forging strong connections between TVET colleges and sector employers, we aim to promote employability and facilitate the seamless transfer of skills, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped for the demands of the job market.

Impressive Learner Registrations And Completions

Our dedication to job creation is evident in the remarkable numbers we achieved during the 2022/23 financial year:

• 3878 learners registered for leadership programme

• 3269 successfully completed learnerships

• 11 113 total learners registered

• 10 091 learner completions recorded

These consistent numbers underscore our unwavering commitment to providing accessible and effective training opportunities.

The Impact Study: A Testament To Success

To gauge the impact of our programmes, we commissioned an impact study that delved into the learner experience and their transition from training to the world of work. The study yielded highly encouraging results. It confirmed that a substantial number of our learner graduates, including those completing learnerships, apprenticeships, skills programmes, internships, and bursaries, successfully transitioned to employment or self-employment.

Specifically, in the 2021-22 period, 67% of learners in learnerships and 72% of apprentices in apprenticeships secured employment post-training, with approximately 10% venturing into self-employment.

Government Support

There is substantial support from government departments which began when the Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation and Training established the FP&M SETA in 2011. The government’s decision to cluster sectors was aimed at strengthening the value chain connections between related industries, a move that has had a profound impact on our organisation.

Sustaining economic growth and promoting skills development throughout the country is a commitment of the FP&M SETA. We align our strategies closely with the government’s Economic Recovery and Reconstruction Plan (ERRP), which tackles long-standing structural constraints within our nation and provides a robust foundation for our efforts.

Playing a pivotal role in overseeing the FP&M SETA’s activities, the Department of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation ensures that our governance adheres to the highest standards. This adherence is facilitated by two essential acts: the Skills Development Act and the Public Finance Management Act, which together provide the necessary structure and oversight for our operations. Our involvement in the ERRP encompasses various interventions, including:

1 SMME Development

We actively promote the growth of Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), acknowledging their significance in economic advancement.

2 Incubation

We support entrepreneurship and provide business coaching, with a particular focus on township and rural development.

3 Employability Initiatives

We prioritise addressing occupations in high demand within the FP&M industrial sectors, ensuring that the workforce is aligned with industry needs.

4. Innovation and Technology Adoption

We embrace innovation and the adoption of new technologies to enhance industry competitiveness. One notable aspect of our engagement is our enthusiasm for implementing the industry Master Plan developed by the Department of Trade and Industry and Competition. This initiative holds significant promise for the growth and development of the sectors we serve, and we are excited to contribute to its success.

A Decade of Leadership in The FP&M Sector

I have had the privilege of serving as the CEO of the FP&M SETA for the past ten years, and it’s been an incredible journey witnessing the transformations within the sector. Over this time, we have witnessed significant shifts driven by economic changes, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences.

Embracing Technological Innovations

The sector’s enthusiastic embrace of technological innovations has been a defining feature. Automation, digital printing, and advanced machinery have enhanced efficiency, improved quality, and introduced innovative production methods. These advancements have propelled the sector forward and increased its competitiveness.

Sustainability At The Forefront

Environmental concerns have played a crucial role in shaping the sector. There is a profound emphasis on eco-friendly materials, waste reduction, and responsible resource management. Sustainability has become a driving force, aligning the sector with global environmental goals.

Expanding Product Offerings

The sector has also expanded its product offerings, extending beyond traditional items. Clothing and textiles have begun incorporating smart textiles, and functional clothing has gained popularity. This diversification has opened up new opportunities and markets.

The Role Of Training And Reskilling

These transformations, coupled with rapid technological changes, have underscored the importance of upskilling and reskilling. The FP&M SETA has played a vital role in providing relevant training programmes, ensuring that the workforce remains adaptable to evolving industry demands.

Significant Milestones Achieved

In the 2022/2023 period, we achieved several remarkable milestones:

We supported 90 students in a skills development programme in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment.

We established the first Innovation Hub at the Richmond-Indaleni Skills Centre in rural Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal. The Richmond-Indaleni Skills Centre Innovation Hub was expanded to provide hands-on learning solutions related to the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and technologies, including spaces for robotics, virtual reality, and drone training.

We upgraded the Richmond-Indaleni Innovation Hub’s computer labs to include video conferencing and collaboration technology, along with high-speed Wi-Fi connections. We funded 20 students’ participation in the Ngaphakathi Professionals project, which focuses on teaching furniture craftsmanship in Mpophomeni, KwaZulu-Natal.

We facilitated a sewing, garment-making, and fashion design skills workshop for 25 students in the Langa township in Cape Town. We upskilled 35 inmates of the Boksburg Correctional Services in a cabinet making skills project.

We registered updated, fit-for-purpose occupational-directed qualifications in partnership with industry and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). We developed a Virtual Reality Application for training chainsaw operators in the forestry sector.

Challenges And Perseverance

Our journey has not been without challenges. As the sector evolves, so do our challenges. These include: addressing job losses in various FP&M industries due to economic downturns; educating companies on how to leverage government skills development strategies; developing new management and leadership skills for successful industrial strategies; ensuring that our qualifications align with sector workplace requirements; and adopting an integrated framework for monitoring and evaluating performance and service delivery.

To overcome these challenges, we remain committed to adaptability and innovation. We foster partnerships and stay closely attuned to the evolving needs of our stakeholders.

Technology's Impact on Skills Development

As a 4IR expert, I see technology as a catalyst for both opportunities and challenges in South Africa’s skills development landscape. Technology allows us to offer convenient and adaptable learning experiences through online platforms, mobile devices, and digital tools, catering to diverse age groups and backgrounds. It empowers individuals to acquire new skills, refine existing ones, and transition into new careers that align with their passions and needs.

However, technology also presents challenges, including job displacement due to automation, artificial intelligence, and robotics. Low-skilled jobs may be replaced by machines or algorithms. To address this, collaboration with various stakeholders is essential. We must provide support and reskilling opportunities for affected workers, assisting them in transitioning to new roles or sectors.

My Motivation and "Why"

My motivation stems from the mission and vision of the FP&M SETA, which is to facilitate skills development and transformation within the sector. I am dedicated to empowering the youth and making them valuable contributors to the workforce. I firmly believe that our industry plays a pivotal role in South Africa’s economic and social development, from generating employment and contributing to exports to fostering innovation and promoting environmental sustainability.

My “why” is to make a positive impact on the lives of our stakeholders, particularly workers, employers, and learners within our sector. Providing them with access to high-quality education and training opportunities is my passion, enabling them to acquire relevant skills, knowledge, and competencies for the 4IR. Leading a dynamic and diverse team of professionals who share my vision and values is an exciting endeavour. Together, we strive to cultivate a culture of excellence, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

Exciting Plans For The Year Ahead

Looking ahead, we have ambitious strategic goals for the upcoming year. The FP&M SETA will continue to play a pivotal role in South Africa’s economic and social progress. Our focus will include occupations in high demand, achieved through the implementation of PIVOTAL (Professional, Vocational, Technical, and Academic Learning) programmes. These programmes encompass artisan development, work-integrated learning, and work experience for Higher Education and Training (HET) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates.

We plan to enhance and expand our partnerships with other skills development providers, such as TVETs and Community Education and Training (CET) colleges, to reach a broader audience of graduates and workers. Recognising the growing influence of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), we will continue to prepare the workforce for technological changes by offering training in areas like data analytics, automation, and digitalisation. Sustainable practices will remain a focal point across sectors, contributing to South Africa’s growth and development.

A Message Of Inspiration

In these challenging times, I offer words of inspiration that truly reflect the remarkable spirit of our sectors. We have encountered economic shifts, high unemployment rates, and the rapid advancement of technology, and yet, we have risen above these formidable challenges with incredible resilience, innovation, and adaptability. Our sectors have been at the forefront of contributing to our nation’s progress. We have consistently delivered high-quality goods and services that meet the diverse needs of both local and national markets. This unwavering commitment to excellence has been a driving force behind our continued growth and success.

The advent of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) has ushered in a new era, bringing with it both opportunities and demands. What sets us apart is our wholehearted embrace of this revolution. We have eagerly adopted cuttingedge technologies, honed our processes, and introduced innovative products that have not only boosted our productivity but have also elevated our quality and competitiveness on a global scale.

Change has been a constant companion on our journey, and we have learned to welcome it with open arms. As we look to the future, I am filled with unwavering optimism about what lies on the horizon. Our resilience, innovative spirit, and adaptability have brought us to where we are today, and I have every confidence that these qualities will continue to propel us forward. We are on a path where success knows no bounds, and together, we will reach new heights, furthering our journey of growth and progress.