The department’s commitment in transforming the skills development has seen Human Resource Development scooping the Gold award on the Best Public Sector Programme on management of Interns and TVET in the National Skills awards held in Johannesburg recently.
The awards were to celebrate excellence by recognising best skills development practices across all skills development implementers and NSF funded projects in various categories, to provide extensive and national coverage or exposure for best skills development practices through print and electronic media and to recognise work placement opportunities created through the various learning programmes, programmes that include Artisan development Learnership and Internships.
The glamorous event was hosted by the Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Blade Nzimande, themed “Skills Development for an Integrated and differentiated Post-School Education and Training System”.
The National Skills conference was held with the awards event and was attended by more than a thousand delegates from government, organised business,organised labour, community, Training providers, Sector education and Training Authorities, Universities, Colleges, and National Youth Development Agency.
Human Resource Development Senior Manager, Mzie Dingwayo, outlined the Unit’s commitment in affirming, upholding and attesting to the South African nation that the Eastern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works is committed to transformation,training and development
“It must be mentioned that our drive and expression of interest to apply was emanating from five priorities of DRPW Annual Performance Plan that are focusing on human capital development as a catalyst for improved, increased and accelerated delivery by: developing own skills and capacity through bursary scheme, learnership, internship, mentorship and HRD training initiatives” Dingwayo said.
In accepting the award, MEC Thandiswa Marawu, commended the collective efforts of DRPW staff in realising the leading status in the Internship and TVET training space.
“Unemployment is a major talking point in South Africa with government’s National Development Plan targeting a jobless rate of 14 percent by 2020 and 6 percent by 2030. Given the current level sits at 25 percent, there is a lot of work needed to be done, with many speculating that it’s not possible given the current trend. The latest numbers also don’t take into account the impending job cuts expected in the mining sector.”
Marawu emphasised that “The department invites unemployed youth from 18-35 years to apply for internship training in the department, with much encouragement extended to people living with disabilities”.
By: Sive Zuzile
