The International Day for the Preservation of Ozone Layer otherwise dubbed as Montreal Protocol, is commemorated internationally on September 16^th. On this day climate-change activists, environmentalists and organizations passionate about the environment and climate change, commemorate this day to sensitize the public about the effects of ozone depleting substances and climate change. This year’s theme is fixing the ozone layer and reducing climate change.

Dignitaries present at the event were the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs (MTEA) Mr. Moses Valakati, Principal Secretary from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS) Mr. Makhosini Mndawe, UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira and Manzini City Council CEO among others. Mr. Mndawe, the Principal Secretary of MoLSS thanked the Honourable Minister Mr. Moses Vilakati and hailed the ministry’s leadership for the partnership that Eswatini Environmental Authority had with the Directorate of Industrial and Vocational Training. We went on to say that the EEA is seriously admired for incorporating and prioritizing skills development as they implement the Montreal Protocol in the kingdom. He congratulated all those who received the certificates of competency as HVAC mechanics, assured them that the certificates are internationally recognized and pledged his desire to continue working with the MTEA, EEA and other partners especially the Taiwan Technical Mission.

Annually, the Eswatini Environmental Authority (EEA) joins the world in commemorating this day with activities in line with climate change prevention. In this year’s celebration, EEA and the Directorate of Industrial and Vocational Training (DIVT) have awarded the first-ever trade test certificates to Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) Mechanics who set for their trade tests between August 29^th and 01^st September 2023. The grade test for the HVAC mechanics incorporated good practices in handling refrigerants and phasing out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) as refrigerants since they harm the ozone layer.

The trade testing of the HVAC Mechanics was funded by EEA and the development of the HVAC qualification, apprenticeship training guidelines and trade test standards were jointly funded by EEA and the Technical and Vocational Skills Certification Enhancement Project from the Taiwan Technical Mission. The HVAC trade test certificate does not come in grades (3, 2 and 1); as all other existing trades but uses the qualification framework levels. The HVAC mechanics were awarded Level 2 national vocational certificates.  A total of 26 HVAC Mechanics were awarded certificates at the event.

PS Mr. Mndawe, in his closing remarks, advised all stakeholders that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security through the DIVT is prepared and ready to work with all who are interested in driving the improvement of quality skills and workforce in the kingdom.