North West-The Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) Secretariat officiated the Human Resource Development Provincial Coordination Forum (HRDPCF) Meeting on 4 October 2018, at Vuselela TVET College, Potchefstroom, North-West Province.

With its main focus on Human Capital and Skills development, the HRDPCF meeting deliberated on progress made in the implementation of 3 main areas; i.e. the Human Resource Development achievements in the North-West Province, the Funza Lushaka Bursaries and Data Integrated Management information System.

As part of promoting Skills Development in the province the Department of Public Works has signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with the Council for Built Environment, through which 24 candidates will go through development programmes towards registration as fully qualified Artisans. In total the province has awarded 588 bursaries.  In partnership with the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) 35 bursaries were also awarded.

Data Integrated Management information System presentation, put emphasis on the data collection methods from stakeholders  such as the Department of Higher Education and Training and its entities, as well as some private companies. This system assists the Western Cape Province in storing all SETA, Artisan, work integrated learning data for its indicators and targets in line with the data plan.

The presentation on Funza Lushaka Bursaries focused on the importance of training more teachers in the country.  More and more teachers are needed in South Africa.   Most students are recruited from Quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools and from the rural areas.

As part of information sharing, the meeting also deliberated on the establishment and location of HRDC Secretariats in provinces.  This is critical based on the fact that 8 provinces now have their provincial HRD Councils.

Amongst other things the forum discusses progress made by each province on the implementation of HRD initiatives and the HRD strategy towards 2030. The forum also provides a platform for all provinces to learn from each other and share critical problem solving practices where applicable.

Enquiries: Ms. Brenda Ntombela 012 943 3187/ 082 573 3716 or ntombela.b@dhet.gov.za

Issued by the Human Resources Development Council of South Africa.