In a recent interview Mashila Matlala, Board Chairperson of CHIETA shares her thoughts on the contribution of the Sector Education and Training Authorities.
My vision is to inspire CHIETA, and help the executive team achieve their long term goals.
What are you hoping to change at the SETA and how are you assisting to make that change happen?
I am not hoping to change anything at CHIETA, but to instead ensure that the skills that are developed change the lives of ordinary employees in the chemical industry. CHIETA should not focus on producing volumes of leaners that are not relevant to the next generations industrial economy.
What are your views on the progress of SETAs and their contribution to the country? Have they been successful?
Measuring SETAs against the national unemployment rate is a negative indication, however when combining the outputs of all industries measured in terms of expenditure or investments, the total production of skills development shows that SETAs have made a very positive contribution.
Define your leadership strategy and how it has assisted in achieving your goals and also in steering CHIETA to meet your vision?
My leadership strategy has gradually changed over the last few months since entering a non-profitable environment which requires an analysis of the macroeconomic forces. I believe the sector skills development environment will benefit from my previous experience in the public sector using the PESTLE analysis tool. My strategy so far has involved gathering the teams and analysing the political and economic environment.
What has been your recipe for success?
My process of looking at the world from all perspectives has played a great role in my success. This has allowed me to lay bare the realities of the organization’s position and challenges visible at this time and imaginable in the foreseeable future. I acknowledge that there are traps, landmines, and pitfalls along the way of leadership and this has made me approach such situations with a calmness.
My recipe is based on the idea that effective leadership understands that people do their best work when they have purpose. I don’t stop until every individual can easily describe the reasons behind our elected strategy and is also able to connect their role to the goals and success of the teams work.
