MEDIA STATEMENT

THE HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (HRDC EXCO) INAUGURAL MEETING: JOHANNESBURG, 27 FEBRUARY 2025.

The Executive Committee of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) held its inaugural meeting of the term 2024-29 term of office.

Amongst several key issues discussed during the meeting, was the Reconceptualised HRD Strategy and Master Skills Plan (MSP), which were approved by Council at its meeting of 5 November 2024. These documents will serve as foundational policy frameworks for all human resource development initiatives in the country.

The next presentation was by Higher Health presented by the CEO, Professor Ramneek Ahluwalia. The presentation outlined the accredited Civic and Soft Skills programme which is a higher health initiative focusing on empowering youth, enhancing employability, and contributes to job success. Notably, the Civic Education and Soft Skills programme is offered at NQF level 5 and is recognised as the first fully online skills qualification in Africa.

The third key strategic presentation was a Digital Ecosystem delivered by Mr Evans Jones the CEO of Collective X, a not-for-profit organisation serving as a coordinating intermediary between various partners that include government, and private sector organisations. Collective X is spearheading digital skills respond aimed at addressing digital skills needs and unlocking scalable, demand-driven solutions. Traditionally, South Africa’s digital skills ecosystem has functioned in silos, resulting in inefficiencies and a disconnect between the supply of skills and market demand. Collective X is working to address this challenge and many others with the hope of unlocking employment opportunities for young South Africans.

There was also an update given on the upcoming 5th HRDC Summit, which will convene civil society groups, government representatives, labour, and business leaders to address critical skills challenges facing the nation. The summit will be held under the theme: “Living and Working in a Changing World,” scheduled for 28-29 March 2025 at a venue still to be confirmed.

Key focus of the Summit will include the launch of the Reconceptualised HRD Strategy and the Master Skills Plan, and the launch of the Just Energy Transition (JET) National Skills Advisory Forum.

The EXCO also took the decision to ensure that the Strategic planning session is hosted as soon as possible to develop the Programme of action for the Council.

The EXCO is Co-chaired by the Deputy Chairs of Council, Dr. Thembi Xaba representing organised business and Mr Duncan Luvuno representing organised labour who were elected on 5 November 2024 at the first meeting of the new term of Council. Dr Xaba chaired this EXCO meeting and in concluding the day’s proceedings, Mr Luvuno thanked every member for their participation and making time to attend this inauguration EXCO meeting. He applauded all for making the meeting a success.

Enquires: Mr Lesley Makhubele

Email: Makhubele.L@dhet.gov.za

Cell: 073 692 9100

Issued by Human Resource Development Council of South Africa Secretariat

27 February 2025.