As a developing country, South Africa’s workforce plays a key role in service delivery hence the importance of having skilled and capable workers cannot be overemphasised. Not only does it improve the lives of South Africans, but it also assists local government structures in meeting their constitutional mandate.
The Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) successfully hosted the Research Seminar Series at the University of Venda (Univen) Senate Chambers on 23 November 2017.
It was held under the theme ‘Creating a greater impact through a credible research agenda in the Local Government Sector’.
Change takes time to manifest- Mr Sharrock
Mr Cuen Sharrock from University of Pretoria presented on the ‘Impact Assessment on Discretion Funded Programmes. Mr Sharrock said training is change management process and service delivery have to improve within the municipalities.
Mr Sharrock added that the constraints in his research was that there was lack of participation from the municipality and the availability of data was not ideal.
“The number of people attending the training needs to be sufficient to overcome inertia. Management’s intent is critical and there is a need for space to be allowed for changes in behaviour,” Mr Sharrock said.
Training improves productivity in any organisation- Mr Hlaele
“Today’s competitive success is achieved through people, said Mr Godfrey Hlaele from Univen’s Public and Development Administration. Mr Hlaele was presenting on skills transfer in South African municipalities.
Mr Hlaele said that the skills and performance of people are critical for the success of any municipality. “Training improves productivity in any organisation,” Mr Hlaele added.
Mr Hlaele further said that many organisations spend much money in training believing that such training will improve their employees’ Mr Hlaele also said that training is useless if it cannot be translated in performance. The purpose of the study was to understand the nature of learning environment in the municipalities, to develop strategy that will inform the Local Government SETA on skills transfer and to understand a link between lack of skills and service delivery.
“The challenge of skills transfer will always be intrinsically linked with the development and transfer of skills process and thus it should be simultaneously addressed. When choosing a training course, ensure the training is specific to the skills the employee needs to develop,” Mr Hlaele concluded.
The participants alluded that unemployed people must be empowered and young people should be equipped with skills and knowledge. LGSETA provides an environment to facilitate the training and up skilling of various employees and people involved in local government structures, as well as unemployed South Africans.
Participants pose for a group photo during LGSETA Research Seminar Series
Issued by:
Department of Communications & Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525
Date: 28 November 2017
