Nzimande said the strategy focussed particularly on those who do not have relevant technical skills or adequate reading, writing and numeracy skills to enable them access employment.

"Language, literacy and numeracy skills are fundamental to improved economic and social participation, productivity and social inclusion," Nzimande said.

The NSDS III puts emphasis on eight goals, including better use of workplace based skills development and encouraging and supporting cooperatives, small enterprises and community training initiatives.

Nzimande reiterated that SETAs were not going to be shut down, but strengthened to try to overcome the challenges and weakness in the system, through the NSDS.

Education Training and Development Practices SETA CEO, Sesi Nxesi, welcomed the launch of the NSDS III.

"All of us feel there's a change in the country. It [NSDS III] is more structured, encourages cooperation and I'm hopeful that we are going to achieve the goals, collectively," said an optimistic Nxesi. - BuaNews