Johnathan Paoli
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has highlighted the need for change, and called on the entire economy to adapt to the rapid changes in relation to the realisation of human rights in the workplace.
Mashatile attended and chaired the Human Resource Development Council retreat in Johannesburg on Friday, an apex national, multi-sectoral advisory body established to address the national challenge of human resource development in the country.
“For us to match with the new demands, we must undergo a rapid paradigm shift and reorientation to realign the content of our curriculum offerings and skills development programmes. All sectors of the economy must adjust to new demands for personnel, skills, research, and digital connection” Mashatile said.
Mashatile also highlighted the importance of International Women’s Day, emphasising the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” to address economic disempowerment and promote diversity across societal sectors
The council’s term, which began in 2010, is set to end at the end of the month, however, the government is looking into extending the existing term by six months to facilitate a seamless transition and process of appointing new council members.
Guided by the Human Resource Development Strategy for South Africa (HRD-SA) 2010-2030, the council’s retreat is aimed at reflecting on and evaluating its work in terms of the progress made so far.
“I believe that the country’s re-conceptualised Human Resource Development Strategy and Master Skills Plan will give further impetus to our efforts to address skills shortages across all sectors of our economy,” Mashatile said.
He said the Master Skills Plan consolidates previous strategies affecting skills development across the nation, which included the National Development Plan 2030, the National Skills Development Plan 2030, the Innovation and Skills Compact, and the Medium-Term Strategic Framework.
Mashatile said that he believes that the retreat should aim to influence the new Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) as government plans for the administration, and that gathering is also an opportunity to zoom in on underlying challenges faced by the country, which serve as an impediment to achieving the council’s mandate, lessons learned and interrogating the need to change or restructure the council.
“It is only when the country’s human resource development priorities are in line with planning frameworks across departments, that the work of the Council will receive the necessary attention and traction it deserves,” he said.
The retreat looked at key future focus areas to be attained in the remainder of the current term and beyond and reflected on their work, evaluated progress, and discussed challenges and future focus areas, including International Women’s Day.
The Deputy President said this year’s theme ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ emphasised the need to address economic disempowerment and promote diversity and empowerment across all societal sectors.
“As the HRDC, we anchor our support for women’s development by creating programmes that foster a supportive environment, promote skills acquisition, and provide access to resources, opportunities and quality education,” Mashatile said.
He also commended the former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka for her role in championing global gender equality during her tenure as the Executive Director of United Nations Women and said the council’s global efforts to leave no one behind was embedded in the strategic efforts towards gender equality, and as South Africa, they remain committed to championing the cause for both gender equality and gender justice.
In addition, Mashatile discussed Human Rights Month, which recognises the constitutional right to basic education, including adult basic education, and further education, which he said the State must take reasonable measures to make progressively available and accessible.
This follows the call of Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa for all South Africans to participate in the activities planned for Human Rights Month, earlier this month.
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