In recognition of education as a top priority and in response to the challenge of low skills base government in 2010 established the Human Resource Development Council to drive a human resource development strategy for South Africa and advise government on its implementation and other matters relating to human resource development.
The Human Resource Development Council is made up of social partners from all segments of society including government, organised labour, organised business, academia and other organs of civil society.
The skills development problems in our country could be attributed to weaknesses in the education and training system, starting from early childhood development and continuing right through the school and post-school system and on-going workplace professional development.
The Human Resource Development Council therefore had to identify the key weaknesses in our education and training system, ascertain the country’s needs, determine the strategic priorities and coordinate efforts to ensure that the country develops a skilled and capable workforce.
Today we present a mid-term report which shows that the social partners that make up the Human Resource Council are committed to a robust human resource development value chain.
The council in 2010 adopted a Human Resource Development Strategy for South Africa 2010 to 2030 which sets broad priorities for the next 20 years. The strategy seeks to ensure universal access to quality basic education that is purposefully focussed on a dramatic improvement in skills to meet the demands of a growing economy.
To implement the strategy the Council adopted a five point plan based on the following priorities:
- Strengthening and supporting of the Further Education and Training colleges to increase access for students;
- Production of intermediate skills (with Artisans given a special focus), and professionals;
- Production of Academics and stronger partnerships between Industry and Higher Education Institutions;
- Worker education; and
- Foundational learning.
With the strategy and plans in place the Human Resource Development Council will now focus its energies in ensuring that all social partners play their part in the implementation of the strategy.
The commitment shown by all social partners gives us hope that over the next twenty years South Africa will see a radical improvement skills development.
I wish to take this opportunity to express our government’s appreciation of the commitment shown by the social partners in driving a robust human resource development programme for our country.
