Free State –The Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) Secretariat officiated the Human Resource Development Provincial Coordination Forum (HRDPCF) Meeting on the 3^rd of October 3, 2019, held at the Free State Training Development Institute (FSTDI), Brahman Building,124 Nelson Mandela Drive, Bloemfontein. The meeting was chaired by HRDC Secretariat Acting Director: Ms. Blondie Chabani.

The HRDPCF meeting deliberated on progress made in the implementation of Human Resource Development Strategy Towards 2030, through special projects in the Free State Province, Standardisation of Stipends by the Department of Higher Education and highlights from the other eight provinces.  

The Free State presentation highlighted the following achievements; 215 unemployed youth who completed a 3 year Apprenticeships funded by various SETAs, 45 self-employed “Back yard” motor mechanics who completed their trade tests through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Programme, 319 bursaries awarded by Construction SETA to students studying towards construction related fields, 262 TVET College students who completed their Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in various fields of study and 120 part-time bursaries awarded by Services SETA to employees studying towards B-tech Project Management.

The Standardisation of stipends from Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) highlighted the fact that lack of standardisation of stipends as one of the challenges detrimental to the implementation of various learning programmes. It outlined a number of underlying factors that lead to variance in stipends such as, inconsistency of stipends resulting in competition within the various sectors, stipends that are static and not inflation linked leading to a strain on student finances and the need for funding to be increased to meet the increasing demand of workplace learning programmes.

To mitigate identified challenges in the standardization of stipends, the Department of Higher Education and Training, had established a task team to investigate the matter and advise the department on the best course of action to take. This would include collection and analysis of benchmarking information from the SETAs and National Skills Fund and other activities that will provide clarity on the causes of the challenges as well as possible solutions. Broad stakeholder consultations will also be included in the investigation.

The reporting of the provinces is done with a focus on the five programmes from the HRD Strategy Towards 2030 and other key initiatives being implemented by each province. The forum agreed that universities should be encouraged to form part of the Provincial Skills Development Forums (PSDF).

Established in July 2011, the Provincial Coordinating Forum aims to ensure the coordination, alignment and integration of the human resource development implementation plans and activities with the Provincial Growth and Development Plans (PGDP). This forum has encouraged provinces to form their own HRD Provincial Councils to be chaired by the Premiers to tackle their unique challenges and report on the implementation of the HRD Strategy towards 2030 at the provincial level. Amongst other things the forum discusses progress made by each province on the implementation of HRD initiatives and the strategy, for each quarter. The forum also provides a platform for all provinces to learn from each other and share critical problem solving practices where applicable.

Enquiries: Ms. Blondie Chabani 012 943 3189/ 067 0537145 or Chabani.B@dhet.gov.za

Issued by the Human Resources Development Council of South Africa.