Analysis of skills mismatch in Ngaka Modire Molema District in North West Province Department of basic education

Abstract

This study analysed the skills mismatch in the North West Province using the case of the Department of Education in Ngaka Modiri Molema District. This is based on the fact that the Government's human resource department does not take skills into consideration during the process of appointments. Both Quantitative and Quantitative methods were used. Data were collected using a questionnaire instrument developed through review of literature along with focus group findings. Survey data were factoranalysed to identify stable constructs for testing objectives. The findings on four objectives of the study identified personal characteristics of employees towards the skills mismatch in the Department of Education Out of 154 responses received, 94% of the respondents agreed that innovative and knowledge management competences are key to minimizing effects of skills mismatch, 90% of the respondents highlighted that the technical skills, such as basic computer skills, will be able to minimize the effects of skills mismatch in the Department, 87% of the respondents indicated that mobilization of human resources can minimize the effects of skills mismatch in the Department of Education and 86% of the respondents agreed that workplace-interpersonal skills are key to minimizing the effects of skills mismatch in the Department. Some 15% of the respondents were uncertain whether international competences are key to minimizing skills mismatch in the Department and the minority of 8% of the respondents disagreed that the willingness of graduates to relocate will minimize the effects of skills mismatch in the Department. It has been recommended that Human Resource Section of the Department of Education should consider these skills as very important. Innovative and knowledge management competences; the use of ICT for information; mobilisation of human resources/workplace-interpersonal skills and the international competences are also very important in the context of multicultural work environments that become a reality worldwide.