World's top mining group backs SA Skills Development Summit 2011

The world's biggest mining group BHP Billiton has thrown its weight behind the efforts to solve South Africa’s skills shortage crisis by sponsoring the Skills Development Summit to be held at the CSIR convention centre in Pretoria on 6-7 September.

The summit is attracting decision-makers from the public and private sectors from all over the country to seek and fast-track solutions to the serious lack of skills which is hampering growth in many areas of the national economy.

"We are committed to being part of the solution. Having the courage to lead change is a vital part of our corporate charter," said Dr Xolani Mkhwanazi, chairman of BHP Billiton South Africa. "We are supportive of the government's renewed focus on job creation and we recognise that we have a role to play in reaching this goal."

Dr Mkhwanazi said it is important for the future of the country for everyone to contribute to solving the challenge of the skills shortage. "It is particularly important," he said, "that the envisioned structures and frameworks be overlaid with practical experience. We need to unearth the talent of all South Africans wherever we can and provide them with the keys to the future."

He added: "At BHP Billiton we invest considerable human and capital resources in the ongoing training, education and development of our people each year in every country in which we have operations."

The Skills Development Summit is the third annual event hosted by Achiever magazine and is endorsed by the South African Board of People Practices, Investors in People SA, and the American Society for Training and Development.

In addition to skills development and training a special session at the summit will be devoted to health in the workplace and community, with a focus on handling the issues and challenges of HIV/Aids and TB, hosted by GBCHealth. Dr Gwendoline Ramokgopa, the Deputy Minister of Health will be giving an update on the epidemics in South Africa and rationale for corporate action for workplace and community.

A highlight of the summit will be the presentation of Achiever Awards to individuals, companies and organisations for outstanding contributions to skills development.

Said summit director Dylan James: "Now more than ever those who are making a difference by providing South Africa with the necessary skills pool must be recognised for their leadership and applauded for their efforts."

For further information please contact:

For the Skills Development Summit and Achiever Awards

Dylan James
Director
Tel: +27 21 681 7000
Mobile: +27 84 244 6389
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For BHP Billiton South Africa

Johnny Dladla
Spokesperson
Tel: +27 11 376 2375
Mobile: +27 82 729 7545
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.bhpbilliton.com