Invitation to two Research-led Skills Dialogues
Strengthening Industry Engagement for Training
Centre for Researching Education and Labour
30th January and 27th February 2026
The one day invitational dialogue, hosted by the REAL Centre, Wits University, will share key research findings into some of the vexing troubled areas of our systems, and provide a platform for key industry actors to table concerns, reach agreements, and isolate areas of disagreement.
Hourly Schedule
Provisional Programme for Dialogue One
- 11:00
- Welcome and overview of priorities for the Dialogues Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Oupa Bodibe. Chair: Prof Presha Ramsarup, Director, REAL Centre
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Speakers:
Prof Presha Ramsarup
- 11:15 - 12:10
- sentation of key research findings in relation to industry engagement Prof Stephanie Allais, Research Chair of Skills Development Chair: DHET Acting DDG for Skills Branch, Mr David Mabusela
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Speakers:
Mr David Mabusela
- 12:10 - 13:30
- Short presentations on key concerns, from industry associations and union representatives, as well as synthesis of submissions received prior to Dialogue. Speakers to be confirmed Chair: Carmel Marock, REAL Centre
-
Speakers:
Carmel Marock
- 13:30 - 14:15
- Lunch
- 14:15 - 14:45
- Identification of key issues for deliberation. Chair: Carmel Marock, REAL Centre
-
Speakers:
Carmel Marock
- 14:45 - 16:00
- Structured discussions on key identified issues, led by members of the REAL Centre team (eg. the role of industry associations in relation to SETAs, strengthening industry voice, industry-led provision models)
- 16:00 - 17:00
- Wrap up: Identification of key areas of agreement and disagreement Welcome to the Minister of Higher Education and Training Mr Buti Manamela: Wits Vice Chancellor Prof Zeblon Vilakazi Presentation of key areas of agreement and disagreement: Prof Stephanie Allais Response from Minister of Higher Education and Training. Chair: Dr Yende, Chairperson, SETA CEO forum
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Speakers:
Dr Yende, Prof Stephanie Allais
- 17:00
- Closure of meeting Prof Presha Ramsarup
-
Speakers:
Mr David Mabusela
- 17:10
- Refreshments
Prof Presha Ramsarup
Mr David Mabusela
Carmel Marock
Dr Yende
Prof Stephanie Allais