South African Business 2018 edition

INTERVIEW
Meeting national
development
imperatives
As the Head of Secretariat: Human Resource Development
Council of South Africa, Brenda Ntombela is
responsible for the overall leadership and
management of the Secretariat.
Brenda Ntombela
BIOGRAPHY
Brenda Ntombela is a graduate
of the University of Limpopo,
has a Master’s Degree in Nursing
from the University of South
Africa and has completed various
management courses. She
has worked in Higher Education
and ICT. She has served as a
Councillor for the Independent
Communications Authority of
South Africa (ICASA), is currently
a Council member at the Durban
University of Technology and on
the transformation Committee
of the South African Council
for Project and Construction
Management Professions.
What are the key goals of the Revised HRD Strategy
Towards 2030?
The HRD Strategy aims to:
• Strengthen basic education and foundation programmes in
Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths, Languages and Life
Orientation/Skills
• Expand access to quality post-schooling education and training
• Improve research and technological innovation outcomes
• Produce appropriately skilled people for the economy
• Promote a developmental/capable state
How does the plan differ from its predecessor?
Various new government priorities and plans have been developed
including the National Development Plan (NDP). Global trends and
developments have also been taken into account, particularly the
impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on government, business,
individuals and society. These changes required a review of the
Human Resource Development Strategy of South Africa (HRDSA)
2010 to 2030. This Revised HRD Strategy outlines the human resource
development imperatives that are needed to meet national
development imperatives.
What are the roles of various social partners in the
strategy?
Labour: Focuses on worker education including the training of shop
stewards and negotiators to improve their understanding of labour
law. Supports the analysis of requirements, including the implementation
of skills audit and identifies programmes, general education
as well as technical skills and supports training for the unemployed.
Business: Continue to work on commitments within the Skills Accord.
Implement the Chief Executive Officer initiative to support a Youth
Employment Scheme (YES) which aims to put one-million youth into
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