Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has unveiled the province's Human Resource Development Council to prepare workers for the future economy.
Image: Itumeleng English / ANAStudio
Cosatu, through its Gauteng Chairperson Amos Monyela, has voiced strong support for the recently launched Gauteng Human Resource Development Council (GHRDC).
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi unveiled this initiative on Tuesday at the University of South Africa (Unisa), aiming to equip workers with the necessary skills for a rapidly advancing job market.
Welcoming the initiative, Monyela emphasised that the GHRDC will play a crucial role in facilitating continuous upskilling and reskilling initiatives, especially as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies reshape the workforce landscape.
Monyela added that this new programme will ensure workers remain prepared to deliver quality services and support Gauteng's economic growth.
"The economy of Gauteng is improving, and has been improving consistently. Therefore, you are likely to upskill young workers regularly to ensure that young people are at par with the skills that are required."
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, alongside Deputy Minister Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, arriving at Unisa for the launch of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) on Tuesday.
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Lesufi, accompanied by Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, reiterated the transformative potential of the GHRDC, describing it as a blueprint for developing a skilled workforce that meets the province’s economic needs.
He further articulated a vision of a future where young people contribute meaningfully to the economy, dreaming of innovations such as a speed train connecting Gauteng to Limpopo, operated by young women from local townships, and tech-enabled classrooms for modern education.
"I dream about a speed train that moves from here to Limpopo in 67 minutes, and that train is driven by a young lady from Mamelodi or Tembisa. I dream about a school where every learner has a tablet, the teacher has a laptop, and a classroom has a smart board," he stated.
Reflecting on the council's objectives, Lesufi stressed that investing in people and developing the right skill sets are essential for unlocking economic growth, creating jobs, and improving the overall quality of life for Gauteng residents.
From AI-powered healthcare systems to modernised transportation and advanced crime-fighting technologies, the GHRDC aims to ensure that education and skills development are closely aligned with the province's evolving economy.
The event also saw the appointment of community activist Vuyo Sibiya to the council.
Sibiya asserted his commitment to ensuring that young people, particularly those in the townships, have access to skills development and employment opportunities.
"I am an activist. In fact, this opportunity is going to be a good opportunity for young people. I will make sure that we continue to share the opportunities with young people and ensure that young people benefit from these opportunities as we have been doing," he stated.