By Amy Musgrave
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on industry players to collaborate with government agencies, education institutions and NPOs to develop and deliver skill training programmes that are tailored to the needs of the South African labour market.
Speaking during a question and answer session in the National Assembly on Thursday, Mashatile defended the government looking elsewhere to source critical skills, explaining that the country’s labour supply often did not match certain jobs.
These included management level personnel, engineers, technicians, science and maths educators, and IT experts.
“This means that, in the short term, we must source the requisite high-level skills internationally to support economic growth.
“Therefore, one of the reasons we source the critical skills on the Critical Skills List from outside the republic is because the skills that are offered within the country do not always align with market requirements. Consequently, we are implementing various measures to revolutionise the skills,” he said.
Mashatile was answering a question from the Patriotic Alliance on why if the country was facing record-high unemployment, was it not prioritising local talent and upskilling South Africans.
He said that in response to these challenges, the government was promoting the use of the Critical Skills List in career development for young people, updating its website to showcase occupations in demand and shortages, and communicating the list to universities and TVET colleges to prioritise programmes and qualifications.
“Furthermore, South Africa has implemented various policies, strategies and initiatives to address skills development and to bridge skills gaps in the country.
“Amongst others, these include the National Skills Fund which directs resources towards in-demand occupations and conducts programme assessments to evaluate TVET colleges’ programmes against the Critical Skills List, advising them to review their offerings in light of local contexts,” he said.
Also, the Employment Services South Africa database matched work seekers with job opportunities, bursaries, learnerships and other training options.
“Both the industry and the South African government have crucial roles to play in spearheading skills initiatives to address the skills gap,” Mashatile said.
The state was also implementing the Human Resource Development Council strategy, which aimed to address global competition, poverty reduction and inequality by accelerating development to match supply and demand for a skilled workforce.
The strategy included high and intermediate skill development, and supporting large-scale employment growth through skills training at lower levels.
On the digital skills shortage, the deputy president said the country was offering training opportunities through TVET colleges.
Courses focused on practical digital skills like computer programming, software development, networking and cybersecurity.
“Addressing skills deficiencies and implementing human resource development programmes can strengthen the South African economy.
“By investing in skills development and fostering strategic partnerships, the country can contribute to workforce growth and avoid reliance on outsourced skills, ensuring increased local employment rates,” Mashatile said.
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