Saldanha Bay, South Africa – Yershen Pillay, CEO of the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA), continues to make a significant impact in South Africa’s skills development landscape. Under his leadership, CHIETA has championed various innovative programs aimed at reducing unemployment and closing the digital skills gap. A prime example of this success was evident in Saldanha Bay on 25th October 2022, where the CHIETA SMART Skills Centre was officially opened.
This cutting-edge facility has already benefitted over 5,323 unemployed and rural community members in the Western Cape, equipping them with essential digital and business skills. On 25th October 2024, Pillay was present to celebrate the graduation of 100 young entrepreneurs, now certified as master entrepreneurs through a Certiport-accredited program. These individuals have received training in critical areas such as digital marketing, data analytics, and cybersecurity, positioning them for success in the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) job market.
Entrepreneurial Success Stories
One of the notable graduates, Fabian Van de Heever, has already used his newfound digital marketing certification to secure employment. His journey highlights the transformative power of the CHIETA SMART Skills Centres, which Pillay has been instrumental in expanding across South Africa. These centres are not just facilities; they are hubs of empowerment that provide unemployed individuals with the tools to build sustainable livelihoods.
Partnership with Services SETA: Expanding the Reach of Digital Training
In addition to the success in Saldanha Bay, Pillay has recently overseen a strategic partnership between CHIETA and the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA). On August 27, 2024, Pillay and Andile Sipengane, Acting CEO of Services SETA, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at CHIETA’s office in Midrand. This MOU signifies a shared commitment to enhancing digital skills training and fostering economic growth.
The collaboration aims to integrate CHIETA’s Smart Skills Centre technologies into the Services SETA Mkhuze Skills Centre, transforming it into a state-of-the-art training hub focused on 4IR and digital skills. This partnership further strengthens CHIETA’s vision of establishing automated, digitized Smart Skills Centres in every province by 2025. Pillay believes that through collaboration with local governments, educational institutions, and industry leaders, South Africa can bridge the digital skills divide and uplift its youth.
Yershen Pillay’s Leadership and Vision
With over 15 years of experience in business administration, executive leadership, and corporate governance, Pillay is no stranger to driving impactful initiatives. His career includes a notable tenure as the Executive Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), where he led youth-focused development programs. His current role as CEO of CHIETA aligns with his passion for innovation, particularly in digital transformation, education, and training.
Pillay’s leadership extends beyond CHIETA. He also serves as a Non-Executive Director for state-owned enterprises such as Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and the South African Forestry Company (SAFCOL). He holds an MBA and a Postgraduate Diploma from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), along with a Bachelor of Social Science from the University of Cape Town. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Digital Transformation, further solidifying his expertise in leveraging technology to drive change.
Looking Forward: A Vision for 2025 and Beyond
Pillay’s forward-thinking approach is evident in CHIETA’s ambitious goal to establish automated Smart Skills Centres across all provinces by 2025. These centres are designed to be at the forefront of South Africa’s digital transformation, ensuring that individuals from rural and underserved communities are equipped with the skills needed for the digital age.
“The MOU with Services SETA represents a pivotal moment in our efforts to cultivate a workforce ready to drive economic growth in South Africa,” said Pillay at the signing ceremony in August. “By working together, we can significantly impact the sectors we serve and create sustainable livelihoods for generations to come.”
Through strategic partnerships and innovative training programs, Yershen Pillay is leading CHIETA’s mission to foster a culture of innovation, not only in the education sector but across all industries that are crucial to South Africa’s economic future.
For more information on CHIETA’s initiatives and upcoming projects, visit the official website here.
Contact Information:
- Partnership Details with Services SETA: Services SETA
- Yershen Pillay LinkedIn Profile: LinkedIn
