Institutions like Old Mutual, Sanlam, ABSA, Standard Bank, Nedbank and FNB, have wonderful training infrastructures.  At least one of these institutions has downsized its staff complement and the question arises: will firms really invest in skills upgrading when they have laid off skilled people?

 ANSWER:       YES!  THEY WILL!

Firms MUST invest in recognised skills training to claim back the money paid because of the Skills Development Levies Act.  The training infrastructure is in place.  The firms will use that infra­structure to promote RECOGNISED SKILLS DEVELOP­MENT.  In fact most financial institutions currently invest much more than the statutory levy requires.

DOWNSIZING IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR LEARNERS because the retrench­ment of older middle management means spaces into which upwardly mobile young people can go.

 'DOOM AND GLOOM MERCHANTS'

Pessimists see bad times ahead for South Africa and the world.

   DON'T BELIEVE THEM!

Fundamentals in the situation in South Africa and the world give reason for confidence.