Implementation of Skill Development Act in the South African Construction Industry

Abstract

The study examined level of implementation and achievement of Skill Development Act 97 of 1998 (SDA) goals with a view to reducing skill shortage in the construction industry. Using quantitative approach, questionnaires were administered on stakeholders concerned with skill development in the construction industry. Mean Item Score (MIS) was used for analysis and ranking of identified variables. There are certain barriers to the implementation of SDA such as finance and low employer participation but if effectively implemented, it will improve performance of construction projects through skill development of the workforce. The objectives of SDA are currently partially achieved and there is a need to increase public awareness of the importance of skill training. This study has explored the drivers and barriers to the implementation of SDA and level of achievement of its goals. It will be useful for Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA), Construction Education and Training Authorities (CETAs) as well as other stakeholders in realising the goals of SDA, thereby improving performance and productivity of construction projects.

A student perspective of ethics in the Zambian construction industry

“…They grouped such behaviour as collusive tendering, bribery, professional negligence, fraudulent behaviour, dishonesty and unfairness behaviour as the main forms of unethical practices in the construction industry. Similarly Aigbavboa et al (2016) found that the most prevalent unethical practices in the South African construction industry were bribery and fraud, falsification of experience, illegal award of contracts and collusive tendering. Other unethical behaviour noted in the industry included: exposure of confidential information, and extortion of kickbacks by client and government officials.…”

“…Flawed regulatory systems can also be a contributor to unethical practices (Le et al (2014). Aigbavboa et al (2016) suggested a number of factors that can contribute to unethical behaviour including greed, favouritism, political influence, monopoly of bigger firms over smaller ones and pressure to meet unrealistic targets.…”

Understanding affirmative action leadership in the South African financial context

“…The youth remains one of the country's highest and most stubborn challenges, presenting socioeconomic instability for all its citizens (Mummenthey, 2010). The Skills Development Act (1998) was introduced to offer training and development to employees that lead to recognised employment (Aigbavboa et al, 2016). This skills act highlights the necessity to change skills development through investment, spinning the place of work into a sovereign setting, refining the meaning of teaching and knowledge for the workforce.…”

“…This skills act highlights the necessity to change skills development through investment, spinning the place of work into a sovereign setting, refining the meaning of teaching and knowledge for the workforce. This act was motivated by an evolving need for educated, qualified, and experienced talent (Rotich et al, 2015;Aigbavboa et al, 2016). The Skills Development Act aimed to increase the abilities of the South African citizens, boost companies participating in educational initiatives and refine the employment prospects of Previous Disadvantaged Individuals (PDIs).…”

“…The Skills Development Act aimed to increase the abilities of the South African citizens, boost companies participating in educational initiatives and refine the employment prospects of Previous Disadvantaged Individuals (PDIs). Any workplace prejudicial racism to PDIs was outlawed and instead, as a redress, those deprived were being compensated through training and development opportunities (Aigbavboa et al, 2016).…”