The Human Resource Development Council of South Africa (HRDCSA), established in March 2010, endorsed a revised National Integrated Human Resource Development Plan on Thursday as the working document that will guide its work over the coming three to five years.

The plan would be subjected to continuous review, with the next meeting of the council scheduled for June 14.

Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande presented the document at the HRDCSA’s tenth meeting, which was held at the Orlando Community Hall, in Soweto, and chaired by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe.

The strategic goals outlined in the plan included: universal access to quality foundational learning; expanded access to the post-schooling system; the creation of a capable public sector with effective and efficient planning and implementation capabilities; the production of appropriately skilled people for the economy; and improved technological innovation and outcomes.

A consultative process would be undertaken with stakeholders to confirm numerical targets and to gain commitments from implementing agents.

The initiative was in line with the National Development Plan’s proposals for greater investments into human capital, as one component of creating jobs, reducing poverty and inequality and improving living standards.

It is also designed to contribute to addressing South Africa’s serious youth unemployment problem by matching education and training efforts with the demands of the labour market.

Also emphasised was the need for a coordinated response to the development of appropriate public-sector skills, including at the local government level.

Addressing the meeting, Public Service and Administration Minister Lindiwe Sisulu reported that a Public Service Skills Committee had been set up to oversee a revision of the state of training within the public service, as well as to improve coordination of government’s training efforts.

Skills development requirements and delivery plans for a “skilled and capable” public-sector workforce would also receive attention.