The 7th Human Resource Development Council of South Africa (HRDCSA) meeting chaired by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe was held today, Friday, 15 June 2012 at the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria.
The HRDCSA is a multi-stakeholder body that creates an enabling, coordinated and integrated environment to focus on improving the human resource development base and skills of the South African people through a partnership and collaboration of all social partners. It is an attempt by government to accelerate human development, reduce poverty and attain sustainable economic development.
The HRDCSA comprises of senior business and organised labour leaders, government Ministers and representatives from academic, research institutions and community organisations.
The Departments of Basic Education and Higher Education and Training presented to the meeting, efforts by government on the improvement of quality of teaching in the schooling system. The presentation focused on the strengthening of Teacher Education and Development (TED), which is in line with the integrated Strategic Planning Framework for Teacher Education and Development in South Africa of 2011.
The four outlined key areas in the TED continuum are:
• Recruitment into Initial Teacher Education (ITE)
• Quality and quantity in the ITE
• Induction and mentoring
• Focus on career-long continuing professional development.
The meeting also reflected on the recommendations of the Council’s midterm strategic session which was held on 4 November 2011. The Council engaged and adopted proposals on how to firm up delivery on the National Integrated Human Resource Development Plan and strengthen the capacity of the Council and its supporting structures.
The National Planning Commission highlighted key issues relating to Human Resource Development within the draft National Development Plan and the Council’s role after its approval by Cabinet and its resultant implementation.
The Artisan and Technician Development Technical Task Team of Council made a presentation on the progress report relating to the work that is being done on artisan and technician development, which is the key focus on the production of intermediate skills for the country’s economic growth and development.
The Council was also informed of measures that are being finalised to address the challenges in regards to the lack of accurate data for training purposes, the lack of sustainable single funding for artisan development for all sectors and the absence of a sustainable Recognition of Prior Learning for artisan aides.
Minister of Economic Development, Ebrahim Patel’s presentation focused on the National Infrastructure Development Plan in regards to the Human Resources Development requirements.
The presentation highlighted the 17 Strategic Integrated Projects (SIP):
- 5 Geographically-focused SIP
- 3 Spatial
- 3 Energy
- 3 Social Infrastructure
- 2 Knowledge
- 1 Regional Integration
The HRD Council noted all the presentations and resolved to pledge support to remedy all identified blockages.
Enquiries:
Brenda Ntombela
Head of HRD Secretariat
Cell: 082 573 3716
Tel: 012 312 5075
E-mail: Ntombela.b@dhet.gov.za
Statement by Human Resource Development Council of South Africa.
