An analysis of the skills development programmes within the context of human resource development : the case of the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Social Development

Abstract

This mini-dissertation investigated the challenging nature of skills development in the South African public service. It explores the implementation of skills development programmes within the context of human resource development in the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Social Development (ECDSD) as a case study. A qualitative approach was followed since this approach best complemented the nature of the study. The research design included observation, a thorough literature review and semi-structured interviews. Twenty (20) members of the Skills Development Committee of the ECDSD were interviewed to achieve the research objectives of this study. The study found that there are potential opportunities and impediments that must be urgently addressed. This would ensure the proper identification of individual employees’ and core departmental competencies. Once these have been identified, the appropriate skills development and human resource development policies and programmes can be implemented, followed by monitoring and reporting on the departmental Workplace Skills Plan and Skills Audit.