KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier Senzo Mchunu invites members of the media to attend the launch of the KwaZulu-Natal Human Resource Development Council. This launch will also mark the first sitting of the council which is aimed at positioning KZN as a “Skills Capital” of South Africa.
“Our intention is to ensure a massive production of appropriate skills that will ensure that we are able to leapfrog stages of socio-economic development. Africa lacks the capital and technical skills to add value to the primary products we produce and resulting in their export at low prices to be imported back to Africa at unaffordable prices. Importantly, the continent’s underdevelopment has for many years been caused by the haemorrhage of talent.”
“As KwaZulu-Natal we want to be at the forefront of skills development such that eventually we are able to grow all sectors of the provincial economy, the country and Africa as a whole. The goal of the province’s Human Resource Development plan as outlined in the Provincial Growth and Development Plan is to ensure that the human resource capacity is adequate, relevant and responsive to the growth and development needs of KwaZulu-Natal.
It identifies three objectives for attaining the goal namely:-
- to improve early childhood development, primary and secondary education so that the education sector produces sufficient people with the relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes to contribute to growth and development,
- to align skills to economic growth so that there are sufficient skills to service the economic growth and development needs of the province and
- to enhance youth skills development and lifelong learning.
“KZN government alone cannot produce enough skilled population. It is for these reasons that the membership of the council includes national government departments, representatives from various sectors of the economy, academic institutions, civil society and relevant professional bodies.”
Media is invited to attend the HRD launch which is scheduled as follows:
Venue: Public Service Training Academy, 321 ZK Mathews Road, Glenwood Durban
Date: 6 August 2014
Time: 14h30 Arrivals, Registrations and Photo Session
15h30: Official sitting of the HRD Council
Enquiries:
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Cell: 082 375 4742
