Middelburg – Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu has taken decisive action to address skills shortage by officially launching the Mpumalanga Provincial Human Resource Council (MPHRC).
This multi-sectoral body is aimed at strengthening the province’s workforce.
The council is mandated to identify priority skills shortages and address them through targeted education programmes, vocational training and development initiatives. It will also advise the provincial government on human resource development policies and strategies, ensuring skills training aligns with the province’s economic needs.
At the launch on 14 August at the Nkangala District Municipality Council Chamber, Chief Director for Strategic Human Resource Services, Peter Jiyane, emphasised the urgent need to prepare Mpumalanga for the planned transition from coal-based energy to a greener, sustainable economy.
“This shift will require reskilling workers in the energy, mining and manufacturing sectors, as well as developing expertise in solar, wind and hydrogen energy technologies. We must also strengthen TVET colleges and skills hubs to offer qualifications relevant to the green economy, and invest in environmental management and sustainability programmes,” said Jiyane.
He further stressed that as industries embrace digitisation, the province must equip its people with skills needed to thrive. “Digital literacy will be a baseline skill for all. We will promote coding, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and cyber security in schools and colleges,” he said.
Jiyane also highlighted the need to scale up technical and trade skills such as civil engineering, plumbing, bricklaying, project management, and construction supervision, to support ongoing investments in road, housing and water infrastructure.
Premier Ndlovu voiced concern over the province’s rising youth unemployment, pointing out that the graduate unemployment rate has surged from 9% in December 2024 to 16% by the second quarter of this year.
The MPHRC brings together 53 members from government, business, labour, and civil society forming a collaborative force to tackle the province’s skill challenges. “Our immediate task is to focus on skills development. Without a skilled and capable workforce, Mpumalanga cannot fully realise its potential,” Premier Ndlovu said.
