2.1 MQA Mr Y Omar: Acting CEO led the presentation which highlighted the following key issues: . The strategic objectives of the MQA include transformation of the sector through skills development, development of quality training and development and re-skilling of employed / unemployed for sustainable employment. . In terms of financial performance, the MQA received a total income of R572 million in the year under review accompanied by an unqualified audit opinion. . The mining sector employs 551 195 employees with 35% of them being located in North West followed by 19% in Gauteng. . In terms of learning programmes, 13348 employed learners completed learnerships and 1044 unemployed learners also completed learnerships. . There were 166 learners trained in four provinces for New Venture Creation (NVC) and 151 new ventures were in operation 12 months after completion of the programme. . There are still transformational challenges in the sector and accidents in mines remain a major challenge.