The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) and the Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority (CHIETA) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that establishes a strategic framework for collaboration and support aimed at enhancing the NLC’s grant funding processes and services.
The MOA formalises a collaborative relationship between NLC and CHIETA, leveraging joint research efforts and CHIETA’s Smart Skills Centres to support NLC grant applicants. This partnership aims to align and support the strategic objectives of both organisations through a range of initiatives.
CHIETA and NLC have also agreed on a joint programme for youth unemployment targeting youth in the chemical industries. The programme will also explore new opportunities in waste recycling, green chemistry, and sustainability.
Key aspects of the MOA include:
- Joint Research and Support: Utilisation of CHIETA’s Smart Skills Centres to assist NLC grant applicants, enhancing their access to resources and support.
- Educational and Training Sessions: Conducting regular educational sessions and training for staff to improve understanding and efficiency in the grant application process.
- Promoting Good Governance: Commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective management of grant funding, contributing to positive social impact and community development.
- Collaboration Framework: Agreement on specific requirements for support or collaboration, documented in annexures, to ensure clarity and commitment from both parties.
- Project-Specific Agreements: Each collaborative project will be managed through separate agreements, ensuring all decisions are made transparently and comply with each party’s governance and regulatory frameworks.
Intended Outcomes:
- Enhanced Applicant Experience: Improved access and support for NLC grant applicants.
- Increased Awareness: Greater awareness and understanding of the NLC grant application process through quarterly educational sessions.
- Strengthened Collaboration and Transparency: Foster closer collaboration between NLC and CHIETA, promoting information sharing, mutual accountability, and transparency in their roles in the non-profit sector.
This partnership marks a significant step forward in enhancing the effectiveness and reach of grant funding, ultimately contributing to the development of communities and the non-profit sector. NLC and CHIETA are committed to working together in mutual trust and good faith, supporting each other’s objectives, and consulting on matters of common interest.
Ms. Jodi Scholtz, NLC Commissioner, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Working with CHIETA as part of the broader value chain in the Environmental, Social & Governance context, utilising CHIETA’s SMART skills centres to extend our reach in education and awareness campaigns, especially to the youth in rural areas.”
Mr. Yershen Pillay, Chief Executive Officer for CHIETA, who was proud of this partnership, shared that “The collaboration will foster closer cooperation between the NLC and CHIETA, promoting information-sharing, mutual accountability, and transparency in their respective entity roles.
Furthermore, it will address the digital divide in the country and ensure that nobody in rural South Africa is left behind on the digital revolution.”
Picture Cred: Inside Education