10/09/2026
Minister of Higher Education and Training Mr Buti Manamela chaired the Human Resource Development Council of South Africa (HRDC) meeting today.
The meeting focused on strengthening South Africa’s human resource development agenda, with key discussions and decisions including:
• Human Resource Development Strategy and Master Skills Plan: The Office of the Mpumalanga Premier to work with the University of Mpumalanga and Tshwane University of Technology to facilitate the placement of students and graduates into employment opportunities. The Council also emphasised the need to reduce graduate unemployment, including through partnerships under the Labour Activation Programme.
• The Council adopted the Summit Report and all its recommendations. A programme of action should be developed to support implementation and enable monitoring of progress.
• HRD Observatory: The Council noted progress towards establishing the HRD Observatory, which will strengthen evidence-based planning and decision-making on skills development.
• Mathematics and Science: The Departments of Basic Education and Higher Education and Training were requested to provide a comparative assessment of the country’s position from when the HRDC recommendations were approved in 2023 and to the current situation of the progress that is being reported. Future reporting must incorporate initiatives like the Quest initiative and others that are aimed at addressing mathematics and science challenges.
• Reconceptualised HRD Strategy and Master Skills Plan addendum: The addendum to the HRD Strategy and Master Skills Plan proposed by the Executive Committee was adopted for implementation. The addendum was made to align the two frameworks with implementation plans of implementing agencies. Ongoing consultation should include people with disabilities and other key stakeholders.
Labour Activation Programme: Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana M**h, called on provincial Premiers, compliant employers and eligible entities to partner with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) through the LabourActivation Programme (LAP) to deliver high-impact job creation initiatives.
The HRDC remains committed to strengthening collaboration among government, business, labour, education institutions and other stakeholders to address skills development challenges, expand opportunities for young people and build the human capabilities required for South Africa’s development.
