Address by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe at the Human Resource Development Council of South Africa's Summit, Gallagher Estate, Midrand
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for taking the time to participate in this Summit - the first of its kind since in 2010.
Recognising the centrality of the development of human resource lies at the heart of our strategic vision of consolidating unity, democracy, non-racism, non-sexism and prosperity of South Africa. Such a vision impels us to construct a society based on dignity, justice, equality, the rule of law and human rights.
It has always been our understanding that human resource development is a society-wide issue that requires a concerted effort of all.
As I join you in the Summit today, I do so knowing y fully well that you are passionate about developing the human resource of this country.
The calibre of the members of the Council and the supporting structures, namely: the Technical Working Group, Technical Task Teams and the Secretariat in the Department of Higher Education and Training has made the work of the council easier.
Given its advisory character the council's strength lies in the energies, passion and the dedication of its members.
In this case, the Council serves to provide a platform for members to expand the work that they do in the sectors they come from, thereby positively impacting on our overall objectives.
It is a programme that is directly concerned with expanding choices; and providing and nurture opportunities to every citizen of our country. It is the surest way by which to unearth the potential of South Africa's human asset.
Human resource development reduces inequality, accelerates economic growth, eradicates poverty and increases rate of job creation. The point is that human resource development permeates every aspect of our society in that it opens the door to the future to which we aspire.
The current efforts to unleash the human resource potential of this country have deep roots in the reconstruction and development programme during the period immediately after 1994. Back then, as is the case today, the RDP identified human resources development as one of the five core programmes to drive reconstruction and development in South Africa.
Membership of the HRDC is drawn from a wide spectrum of the South African society representing government, organised business, organised labour, community organisations, professional bodies, research and academic institutions and other relevant stakeholders.
The participation and contribution of non-Council members adds to this important work of the Council in a way that enhances the outcome of Council work.
In fact, in contributing to the research papers that have been presented over the course of these two days, non-council members have enriched both the research product and the solutions to the challenges we face.
When the Council was established in 2010, each of the four components of a standard human resource development system showed deep seated structural weaknesses. There were visible weaknesses in the basic foundation phase that consists of early childhood development, general education at school, and adult education and training.
Further, challenges abound in terms of securing a supply of skills, especially scarce skills, within the Further and Higher Education and Training bands of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
The demand for skills have always been difficult to meet, particularly those necessitated by the needs of the public and private sectors, including those required for social development opportunities, and the development of small business.
Inadequacies in the key areas of research and innovation have also had a negative effect on efforts to support industrial and employment growth policies.
There is not doubt in my mind that the various presentations and discussions both in plenary and in the commissions have touched on the current state of each of these four areas that make up the HRD system.
The Council has also been able to tackle the challenge of human resource development in the country particularly drawing strength from its unique model of doing its work.
Viewed in its broadest sense, the Council has developed a Social Compact within which it seeks to institutionalise dialogue, consultation, and cooperation amongst the various components of society.
The model has also been applied to bring together stakeholders in the response to HIV, AIDS and TB; and accelerate the implementation of the Anti-Poverty programme.
Further more, the Council has provided space where a common agreement has been reached amongst the various professions, including engineering, the health profession, social work, and few others to explore the implementation of a model similar to the Thuthuka Programme in their respective fields.
Thuthuka has achieved tremendous results in expanding access to the field of chartered accountancy.
The role of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants has been an example worth emulating by other professions.
Another strength of the Council towards the attainment of the development of the objective of human resource development is the cross pollination that exists between the members of the Council, particularly between those outside of government and government itself.
In many respects, members have come to understand better the work of government, the challenges it faces, and what its objectives are.
The Council has designed a practical model that seeks to bring about seamless processes between government and some of the stakeholders, using personnel who are at the coal face of delivery to drive relevant reforms in the same sector.
In this regard the Artisan and Technician Development Task Team, has proven a valuable player in driving the reforms in this sector.
Because of the effectiveness of this approach, a blockage has been recently identified that pertains to the labour legislation governing the employer/artisan learner relationship and conditions of service.
This has implications for training and development and an example has been provided regarding the automotive retail sector, which comprises 22 000 companies of which only 900 provide apprenticeship opportunities to young people.
I would argue that the value of this summit lies in the fact that it has broadened participation in the work of the HRD council.
Today I have the honour to officially launch the National Integrated Human Resource Development Plan 2014 - 2018. This moment represents a major step forward for our nation, signalling our determination to move society onto a higher plane of development.
I am confident that from now on, with our focus thus clearly sharpened, we will move with the necessary speed to advance towards the goal of reconstruction and development.
Finally, following the success of this Summit, I am confident that more such high level engagements will follow to enable us to continuously compare notes about key aspects of HRD, the challenges embedded in its environment and finding better ways of sharpening our focus to achieve the ultimate goal of a better society.
I thank you.
