Delivery inevitable for this trailblazer

DETERMINED: A WOMAN WHO HAS MADE HER MARK ON A MALE-DOMINATED INDUSTRY

Education in the transport sector has been transformed by Anno-Frempong.

All transport industry subsectors have been heavily affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and national response strategies.

This has caused the industry to rethink and restrategise skills development and training offerings.

Maphefo Anno-Frempong, chief executive at the Transport Education Training Authority (Teta), is credited with turning the transport Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) around and breaking boundaries in the transportation industry.

She spoke to The Citizen about the changes and their impact.

Agility, courage and determination, coupled with foresight and excessive resilience could easily sum up her methods.

Anno-Frempong repositioned and repackaged after being given a rather dented brand.

“My approach was centred around a strong management team that bought into my vision and [the team members] were able to implement various turnaround strategies to improve Seta performance, audit outcomes and accelerate delivery of programmes to needy communities,” she said.

The strategy, based on transformation in a male-centric sector, involved multifarious role players.

“We would err to think an individual can bring about the necessary change and progress.

“Teta ... goals and ambitions ... can only be achieved through partnerships.”

It has harvested from partnerships with industry bodies, local and global higher education and training institutions, community leaders and key government entities.

The National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS) and National Skills Development Plan (NSDP) have dictated strategy.

“The passion for transformation and progress in the transport industry is fuelled by the National Vision 2030,” Anno-Frempong said. “We have also ensured that we keep our eyes on global trends in our skills development and training initiatives so we can address emerging issues and mandates as they relate to the green economy, ocean economy and Fourth Industrial Revolution skills demand.”

Her passion for transport education came after serving in various national and provincial departments.

“I was involved in regulator policy coordination in the national department of transport and proceeded to serve as regional director for roads and community safety in the Northwest province before joining Teta.”

She returned to the national department of transport as chief director for road transport regulation.

The goal of every public sector institution is to provide a service that improves the lives of people.

Without reservation, Anno-Frempong can say it’s been rewarding to be involved in efforts to undo the injustices of the past; to create equal opportunities for every member of society and pave a better future for all citizens.

As a woman in a powerful position in a male-dominated industry, she said she would like to believe her challenges are the same as those of any other woman in the transport industry. She tried her hand in trucking but failed.

The journey has not been easy, however no adversity can conquer a courageous and determined woman.

There is a need for women to encourage other women to get into this sector, and it’s key to spread the word about opportunities, Anno-Frempong agreed.

“Increasing women participation requires all women to play their part,” she said.

She felt those already in the industry should learn to lift as they rise, to do the groundwork and take advantage of opportunities.

“Challenges can easily be conquered through self-empowerment, exposing yourself to information and knowledge and taking the necessary steps to achieve what you want.”

Post Covid-19, a hybrid approach will encompass online and brick-and-mortar training and “delivery is inevitable”.

“We are already devising strategies to ensure our training programmes and skills development initiatives are not hampered again by disruptions such as Covid-19.”

Goals can only be achieved through partnerships