Media Statement

The HRDC Secretariat hosted a successful seating of the Human Resource Development Provincial Coordination Forum (HRDPCF) on 12 June 2024 at the University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela, Mpumalanga Province.

The Chairperson, Mr Maliviwe Lumka, highlighted in the opening remarks the HRD Observatory project that the HRDC Secretariat is currently working on with the Department of Science and Innovation, which will help identify skills demand and systematic blockages. He said that “the observatory will assist implementing agencies to address the skills needs in an evidence-based approach” Lastly, he thanked the University of Mpumalanga for hosting the HRDPCF.

Professor Thoko Mayekiso, the Vice Chancellor of University of Mpumalanga welcomed members of the HRDPCF to the University. She applauded the work of the Forum and stressed that “no country can prosper without paying attention to planning for the current skills and future skills.” The university has  two campuses in Mbombela, East and West campus and another campus in Siyabuswa. It has an intake of 10 000 students. On 03 November 2023, the university celebrated 10th Years anniversary since establishment in August 2013. Lastly, since its establishment the university has created partnerships with 35 international universities.

The DHET International Scholarship Directorate briefed the meeting on the roles, offerings, basic eligibility criteria, categories and beneficiaries of the scholarships programme. Ms Kealeboga Letlhaku in her presentation encouraged members to be on the lookout for the upcoming scholarships opening from July – October 2024 and the ones closing soon published on www.internationalscholarships.dhet.gov.za. She also indicated that scholarships are another avenue to address critical skills.

The Forum also received feedback from the HRDC Retreat of 08 March 2024 by the Secretariat which highlighted the decision to incorporate the HRDC priorities into the MSTF to ensure accountability by implementing agencies.

The Forum concluded the day with a tour of the University of Mpumalanga excellent infrastructure. In 2022, the University opened a Tfokomala Hotel, Conference and Wellness Centre and the Hospitality and Tourism Building. The university also has a center for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator opened in 2023, Mbombela Campus.

The HRD Forum is composed of provincial HRD representatives from all nine provinces. The forum was also attended by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Mpumalanga, DHET Regional Manager for Mpumalanga and North-West and other relevant stakeholders.

The HRD Provincial Coordination Forum continues to be a link between the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) and the HRD activities at provincial level.

Enquires:

Name: Mr Sydney Mhlongo

Email: Mhlongo.s@dhet.gov.za

Issued by Human Resource Development Council of South Africa Secretariat