Human Resource Development Council of South Africa

The HRDC Secretariat today convened the Human Resource Development Provincial Coordination Forum from 09h00 to 12h00, bringing together representatives from all nine provinces to strengthen coordination and implementation of Human Resource Development programmes across the country.

The Forum received feedback on the 4th HRDC Summit, with provincial officials — who are at the forefront of implementation — engaging on the recommendations and priority actions arising from the Summit.

In response to the HRDC Mathematics and Science Standing Committee recommendations adopted by Council on 19 May 2023, the Forum also received a progress report from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) on the Mathematics and Science teacher supply pipeline. The presentation highlighted progress and challenges relating to teacher supply, graduate production from TVET colleges and universities, and Grade 12 performance. DHET reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening evidence-based planning on teacher supply.

The Forum further received a presentation on Social Inclusion in the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system. Initiatives highlighted included:

-Social Inclusion Roadshows in every region
-Social Inclusion interventions on Sexual Harassment and Bullying
-Social Inclusion Roadshows in universities
-Gender-Based Violence (GBV) workshops
-U Transforming MENtalities initiatives
-Social Inclusion Workshops in TVET and CET institutions
-More than 40 workshops conducted during 2025/26 focusing on GBV and harassment

This important platform enables provinces to share best practices, learn from one another, and strengthen collaboration in advancing Human Resource Development. The active participation of all nine provinces demonstrates a collective commitment to building an inclusive, skilled, and capable South Africa.

The Premier of Gauteng, Mr Panyaza Lesufi, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Gauteng Human Resource Development Council (GHRDC), officially launched the Gauteng Human Resource Development Council.

The Council will play a pivotal role in driving the implementation of the Gauteng Master Skills Plan and ensuring that skills development initiatives create meaningful pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth.

The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Dr. Nomusa Dube Ncube, delivered a message of support. She informed the meeting that the Deputy President, Honorable Paul Mashatile, in his role as Chairperson of the Human Resource Development, requested all provinces to establish their own HRD Councils during the meeting on 5 November 2024. Today's launch highlights Gauteng’s commitment to developing a skilled, capable, and future-ready workforce that drives economic growth, creates employment opportunities, and enhances the quality of life for residents.

The Acting CEO of the Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA), Dr. China Mashinini presenting the Role of the HRDC, He underscored the significance of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) and emphasised the importance of coordinated human capital development. Additionally, he elaborated on how the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system is designed to meet the demands of the labor market.

The Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) Secretariat is supporting the Gauteng Provincial Human Resource Development Council Launch at the University of South Africa (UNISA), Pretoria.

The launch marks an important milestone in strengthening collaboration and advancing human resource development across the province. It aims to drive investment in skills development, foster strategic partnerships, and support initiatives that will equip Gauteng's people with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.

Premier Panyaza Lesufi and DHET Deputy Minister Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube will on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, launch the Gauteng Human Resource Development Council (GHRDC) at Unisa - The University of South Africa in Pretoria.

The launch underscores Gauteng’s commitment to building a skilled, capable, and future-ready workforce that drives economic growth, creates employment opportunities, and improves the quality of life for residents.

As South Africa’s economic hub, Gauteng faces pressing challenges such as youth unemployment, poverty, inequality, and skills shortages in a rapidly changing economy. The GHRDC, chaired by the Premier, will provide strategic leadership to address these challenges, strengthen workforce readiness, and drive the implementation of the Gauteng Master Skills Plan.

HRDC Executive Committee Meets to Advance South Africa’s Human Resource Development Agenda

The Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) Executive Committee (EXCO) convened virtually on Thursday, 23 July 2026 from 10:00 to 13:15 to deliberate on strategic matters aimed at advancing South Africa’s Human Resource Development agenda and to prepare for the HRDC meeting scheduled for 10 September 2026 in Mpumalanga Province.

The meeting was co-chaired by Dr Thembi Xaba, representing organised business, and Mr Duncan Luvuno, representing organised labour.

The first presentation focused on feedback from the 5th HRDC Summit, held on 16–17 April 2026. The Chairperson of the HRDC Summit Content Committee, Mr Duncan Hindle, highlighted the Summit’s key achievements, including strong stakeholder participation, the continuation of commission work beyond the Summit, the launch of the Reconceptualised Human Resource Development Strategy, and the signing of the Summit Declaration.

Mr Hindle further outlined the Summit’s key commitments, which include:
• Accelerating the implementation of social compacts through clear timelines and accountability mechanisms;
• Institutionalising work-based learning opportunities;
• Strengthening partnerships between government, business, organised labour and academia;
• Modernising the country’s skills development system, with a particular focus on youth, women, persons with disabilities and rural communities; and
• Building a responsive and resilient labour market that supports inclusive economic growth.

Following the decisions of the HRDC Council meeting held on 21 August 2026, EXCO also received a report on the work of the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and their contribution to advancing Human Resource Development in South Africa.

The Committee further reviewed progress on implementing the recommendations of the HRDC Mathematics and Science Standing Committee, which were approved by Council on 19 May 2023. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the Department of Basic Education (DBE) jointly presented progress made and outlined future plans to strengthen mathematics and science education. During the presentation, Mr Tlhabane from DBE emphasised that, “Recognising that success in Mathematics begins before Grade 4.”

In addition, QUEST presented its structured Mathematics Reform Programme, aimed at improving teacher support, enhancing learner performance in mathematics, and addressing the long-term impact of poor mathematics outcomes on economic growth and the country’s NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) challenge. The programme seeks to provide practical, sustainable solutions that are supported by both teachers and learners.

The outcomes of the meeting will help shape strategic priorities and strengthen collaboration in advancing skills development and human capital development across South Africa.

Enquiries:
Mr Sydney Mhlongo
Email: [email protected] or Tel: 012 943 3186 |
Issued by the Human Resource Development Council Secretariat