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Printing SA has developed a range of learning programmes that form part of the new Mechanised Soft-cover Bookbinding Technician qualification which is soon to be registered by SAQA.

This learning programme integrates the skills, knowledge and workplace experience that a Saddle Stitching Machine Operator needs to competently set up, operate and maintain a saddle stitching line.

companies who participate in this programme will be provided with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Assessment Instruments for all the prescribed practical activities to assess Learners. They will also be provided with logbooks that define the workplace experience component.  

At the end of the three-day program, learners will undergo a final competency assessment after having successfully completed all the prescribed skills, knowledge and workplace experience modules.

This skills programme is recommended for employees who are required to perform saddle stitching machine operations or experienced operators who wish to gain recognition of prior learning.

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Printing SA has developed an industry-focused Flexo Plate Maker Skills Programme. This exciting new programme is a range of short learning modules that form part of the Electronic Pre-Press Flexographic Technician qualification which will soon be registered by SAQA.

This learning programme integrates the skills, knowledge and workplace experience that a Flexo Plate Maker needs to competently make flexographic printing plates.

Participating companies will be provided Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Assessment Instruments for all the prescribed practical activities to accurately and fairly assess learners throughout the programme.

Participating companies will also be provided with log books that define the workplace experience component. At the end of the programme, Learners will undergo a final competency assessment based on the prescribed skills, knowledge and workplace experience modules.

This two-day course is ideally suited for employees whose roles involve creating graphic flexo plates or those who wish to take on the role within their organisation.  Experienced technicians can also benefit from this course as it will provide them with recognition of prior learning.

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The Minister of Employment and Labour Minister, Mr TW Nxesi has announced that the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for each ordinary hour worked has been increased from R20,76 to R21,69 for the year 2021 with effect from 01 March 2021.

The NMW legislation in South Africa came into effect on 01 January 2019 at a level of R20 per hour. In terms of the NMW Act of 2018, the policy framework is a level below which no employee should be paid.

The NMW is the amount payable for the ordinary hours of work and does not include payment of allowances (such as transport, tools, food or accommodation) payments in kind (board or lodging), tips, bonuses and gifts.

The Act of 2018 requires that the NMW Commission review the rates annually and make recommendations to the Minister on any adjustment of the national minimum wage, while also reflecting on alternative views, including those of the public.

In considering the annual adjustment, the Commission consider the following factors: inflation, the cost of living, and the need to retain the value of the minimum wage; gross domestic product; wage levels and collective bargaining outcomes; productivity; ability of employers to carry on their businesses successfully; the operation of small, medium or micro-enterprises and new enterprises; likely impact of the recommendation adjustment on employment or the creation of employment.

Following a transitional phase, the farm worker sector has been aligned with the NMW rate of R21,69 per hour. The domestic workers sector will be entitled to R19,09 per hour and could be expected to be aligned with the NMW when the next review is considered.

Workers on expanded public works programmes are entitled to R11,93 per hour and workers who have concluded learnerships agreements are entitled to allowances as determined by the national qualifications framework level.

In line with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), the increase in the NMW will mean that wages prescribed in the sectoral determinations that were higher than the NMW at its promulgation, must be increased proportionally to the adjustment of the national minimum wage. Therefore, the Contract Cleaning; and Wholesale and Retail Sector will also have their wages upwardly adjusted by 4,5 percent.

Find Out More in The Official Government Gazette No. 44136.

Printing SA is proud to be collaborating once again with the COBRA War Room as we host our next webinar; A Deep Dive into Business Turnaround Solutions for the Print, Packaging, Signage and Visual Communications Industry, which will take place on 04/03/2021 via Zoom.

COBRA or Covid Business Rescue Assistance is a Pro bono service offered to Printing SA members who are in distress and will help coordinate bank, government and stakeholder support through a structured business rescue process. 

During the webinar, a panel of experts will provide members with their extensive legal, accounting, technology and business turnaround expertise to help businesses in financial distress - as a result of coronavirus and or other factors.

Would you like to be part of a federation that is recognised as the official mouthpiece of the South African printing, packaging, branding, creative design, advertising and communications industry?

PIFSA is a federation that is consulted by government and all other important national bodies. Membership grants you access to information, advice, advocacy and a forum for the exchange of views